Everything you need to know about sweet onions

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If you’ve ever bitten into an onion and felt your eyes water, you’ll appreciate the mild sweetness of sweet onions. Unlike their sharper cousins, these onions offer a more subtle flavour, making them a favourite for raw dishes and cooking. But what exactly makes sweet onions so special? Let’s take a closer look.

1. A milder, sweeter alternative

Sweet onions are renowned for their gentler taste, which comes from their lower sulphur content. This makes them much less likely to bring on tears while chopping, giving them a natural sweetness that sets them apart from the usual sharp bite of yellow or red onions. They’re perfect for adding a fresh, light crunch to salads, sandwiches, and salsas, where their flavour can really shine through.

2. Varieties that stand out

While sweet onions share a common trait of being milder in flavour, there are many varieties, each with its own subtle differences. In the United States, varieties like Vidalia from Georgia and Walla Walla from Washington have become famous for their sweetness, but local varieties in South Africa, such as those from the Western Cape, offer a unique regional twist.

3. Great for cooking

Sweet onions aren’t just for eating raw; they also have a knack for transforming dishes when cooked. When you sauté or caramelise them, they become soft and richly flavoured, developing an almost syrupy sweetness. They’re excellent in soups, stews, or on top of burgers, adding a sweet-savory balance that enhances the overall flavour of the dish. Whether grilled, roasted, or slow-cooked, sweet onions take on a whole new dimension when heat is applied.

4. Seasonal and regional

Sweet onions have a seasonal nature, and their availability can vary depending on where they’re grown. In South Africa, sweet onions typically peak in late summer to early autumn. As with many seasonal vegetables, it’s a good idea to enjoy them while they’re in season. You might even consider preserving them—pickling or turning them into onion jam—so you can enjoy their sweet, mellow flavour year-round.

5. Authenticity

Did you know that some varieties of sweet onions are protected by law? For example, Vidalia onions have a geographic indication in the United States, meaning only onions grown in specific regions of Georgia can be labelled as such. This adds an extra layer of authenticity and pride to these regional crops, just like some South African produce like citrus or rooibos. Woolworths sweet onions are grown and harvested by local farmers as part of their Farming for the Future initiative. This programme encourages sustainable farming practices by promoting biodiversity, improving soil health, and reducing water consumption. It’s a great example of how local farmers are not only growing high-quality produce but also taking steps to ensure the environment is cared for, now and for generations to come.

Why You Should Add Sweet Onions to Your Next Meal

Sweet onions are a versatile, easy-to-use ingredient that brings a unique sweetness to both raw and cooked dishes. Whether you’re chopping them fresh for a salad, caramelising them for a rich topping, or grilling them for a smoky flavour, sweet onions are a must-have in your kitchen. So, next time you’re at the store, pick up a few to make this no-fuss cheese and sweet onions sandwich.

sweet onion baguette recipe

Photography: Jan Ras
Videography: Kaylene Sauls
Recipes: Abigail Donnelly
Food assistant: Bianca Jones, Khanya Mzongwana

more onion recipes here

Bright, sweet, and full of flavour, Woolworths’ sweet onions are a kitchen essential for every meal. With their mild, natural sweetness and crisp texture, they’re perfect for everything from fresh salads to caramelised dishes. Sourced from local farmers as part of Woolworths' commitment to sustainability, these onions are grown with care to support both quality and the environment. Thanks to the brand’s focus on environmentally friendly farming practices, you can enjoy these delicious onions knowing they’re better for you and the planet..

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