Granulated Onion is neither a herb or a spice but it is a very important and highly used flavorant in cooking. It is so popular because it's convenient to use and gives instant onion flavor to any meal. Why peel an onion as it takes time and causes our eyes to well up with tears. Onion Minced is simply a fresh onion, chopped, dried and ready for use.

The spice retains some of the pungency and flavor of fresh onions. Some cooks like to use onion powder because it is easier to handle than fresh onions, requiring no chopping or special treatment, and a number of recipes call for it. Bulb onions are used for onion powder, because the bulb concentrates much of the flavor and distinctive aroma of the onion.

Onion powder is a spice which is made from dried onions. The spice retains some of the pungency and flavor of fresh onions. Some cooks like to use onion powder because it is easier to handle than fresh onions, requiring no chopping or special treatment, and a number of recipes call for it. Most markets carry onion powder, typically with the other dried spices, and depending on where you live, you may be able to find several varieties of onion powder to choose from.

Bulb onions are used for onion powder, because the bulb concentrates much of the flavor and distinctive aroma of the onion. Typically the onions are dried and then ground, although some companies grind the onions into a paste and dehydrate the paste, claiming that this enhances the flavor. In either case, the end result is a fine whitish powder with an intense onion scent.



Many stores sell a couple of varieties of onion powder to choose from. White, yellow, and red onion powders can all be found, harnessing the distinctive flavors of these onion varieties. You may also be able to find toasted onion powder, which has a more nutty, full, slightly sweet flavor. In addition to onion powder, it is also possible to find onion flakes, which can be used when cooks want to add a little texture to a dish, along with flavor.

In cooking, a single teaspoon of onion powder can replace an entire medium-sized onion, although cooks will experience some loss of flavor. For example, in recipes which call for onions to be caramelized, replacing the onions with onion powder will change the flavor of the end product, as the caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions. In other instances, the substitution is less noticeable. Onion powder can also be used to add zest to dips, toasted bread, croutons, and so forth.

Like other spices, powdered onions need to be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Ideally, onion powder should not be exposed to moisture; instead of shaking a container over a cooking pot, for example, you should measure out a desired amount with a spoon. When well handled and stored well, onion powder can keep for up to a year, although it may lose potency.

Granulated Onion Recipes
Coastal Fried Shrimp
2 pounds unpeeled medium-size fresh shrimp
4 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup spicy French dressing
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon Spice Barn Granulated Onion
1 1/3 cups saltine cracker crumbs
1/3 cup white cornmeal
2/3 cup corn flake cereal crumbs

Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact. Combine eggs and next 3 ingredients; pour over shrimp. Stir gently; cover and chill 3 hours. Combine cracker crumbs, cornmeal, and corn flake crumbs. Remove shrimp from marinade; discard marinade. Dredge shrimp in crumb mixture. Pour oil to a depth of 2-3 inches in a Dutch oven; heat to 375 degrees. Fry shrimp in oil until golden. Serve with cocktail sauce.


Swiss Corn
2 cans whole kernel corn
1 cup Swiss cheese
1 egg white
5 ounces evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon Spice Barn Granulated Onion
1/8 teaspoon Spice Barn Ground Malabar Black Pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter

Combine first 7 ingredients. Combine crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. (Or, microwave on medium 12-13 minutes and let stand for 5 minutes.)