Pickled onion

Pickled Onion

Pickled onions are a food item consisting of onions (usually small and white) that have been preserved in a solution of vinegar and salt. They are often served with fish and chips or as part of a ploughman's lunch, a traditional British dish.

Etymology

The term "pickle" comes from the Dutch word "pekel", meaning "brine", while "onion" comes from the Latin "unio", which means "single", or "one".

Preparation

To prepare pickled onions, the onions are first peeled and then left in brine for a significant amount of time, usually overnight. The brine, which is high in salt, helps to draw out the moisture from the onions and soften them. The onions are then rinsed and placed in jars, where they are covered in vinegar. The vinegar acts as a preservative, allowing the onions to be stored for a long period of time.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of pickled onions, with the type of onion and the specific pickling solution varying widely. Some common types include:

• Silverskin onions: These are a type of small, white onion that are often used for pickling. They have a mild flavor and a crisp texture.

• Pearl onions: These are another type of small onion that are often used for pickling. They have a slightly sweeter flavor than silverskin onions.

• Malt vinegar pickled onions: These are onions that have been pickled in a solution of malt vinegar, which gives them a distinct, robust flavor.

• Balsamic vinegar pickled onions: These are onions that have been pickled in a solution of balsamic vinegar, which gives them a sweet, tangy flavor.

Health Benefits

Pickled onions are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They also contain a compound called quercetin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.

See Also

• Pickling
• Onion
• Vinegar
• Salt

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  Pickled onions in a jar
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  Close-up of pickled onions
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  Silberzwiebeln, a type of pickled onion
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  Osseworst with Amsterdamse uitjes (pickled onions)