|
Buy this item and earn 9 points valued at $0.18.
Also known as- Allium cepa and Allium spp, Garden Onion, and Common 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. 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.
|
