White Onions vs Yellow Onions: Difference and Comparison

Different types of food items are available in the consumer market. Each food item, further, has several types and classifications. White and yellow onions are two types found in the consumer market.

While the two types of onions may seem similar, white and yellow, they differ considerably. 

Key Takeaways

1. White onions and Yellow onions are common onions used in cooking.
2. White onions have a milder, sweeter flavor than yellow onions, which have a more intense flavor.
3. White onions have thinner, more delicate skin than yellow ones, with thicker, tougher skin.

White Onions vs Yellow Onions 

The difference between white and yellow onions is that white onion possess a high sugar and low sulphur content. On the other hand, yellow onions consist of a significantly large proportion of sulphur. White onions are ideal for sandwiches and salads. On the other hand, yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing. 

White onions refer to a cultivator of dry onion, which offers a peculiar taste. White onions have a light and mild flavour profile. Therefore, white onions are found in different varieties of salads because they offer a fresh but not overwhelming flavour.

White onions also have several practical applications, such as in dishes of Mexican and European origin. 

Yellow onions are a type of dry onion that offers a strong flavour. The inside colour of yellow onions varies significantly. There are different varieties of yellow onion which are grown throughout the year.

However, the only similar component in all these onions is quercetin. In addition, there are multi-facet uses of yellow onion.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	White Onions	Yellow Onions
Sulphur Content	White onions possess a high sugar and low sulphur content.	Yellow onions consist of a significantly large proportion of sulphur.
Another Name	Another name for white onions is sweet onion.	Another name for yellow onion is brown onion.
Taste	White onions have a milder taste as compared to yellow onions.	Yellow onions have a stronger taste as compared to white onions.
Ideal for	White onions are ideal for sandwiches and salads.	Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing.
Colour	White onions have bright white papery skin and white flesh.	Yellow onions have golden papery skin and light yellow flesh.

What are White Onions?

White onions refer to a cultivator of dry onion, which offers a peculiar taste. White onions have a light and mild flavour profile. White onions have a high sugar and low sulphur content in terms of mineral composition.

Consequently, white onions have a relatively short shelf life. White onions have several practical applications, such as in dishes of Mexican and European origin. 

White onions provide a light, fresh, and sour taste. Uncooked white onions have used in salads. They have a less pungent and lighter flavour than other flavours of onions.

White onions are found in different varieties of salads because they offer a fresh but not overwhelming flavour.

In addition, white onions also have a practical application in making stews. This is because white onions do not overpower the other elements of the dish but also contribute towards a cohesive flavour palette.

White onions are also used in salsas because of the relatively lower concentration of astringency. 

Several different types of diseases may impact white onions. These include onion smudge, white onion rot, botrytis leaf blight, and onion downy mildew.

Moreover, different methods are put to use to plant white onions. Examples include onion transplants, onion sets, and onion seeds. To conclude, white onions have multi-facet uses in several dishes. 

What are Yellow Onions?

Yellow onions are a type of dry onion that offers a strong flavour. The inside colour of yellow onions varies significantly. Consequently, a yellow onion can be greenish-white, white, or light yellow.

The papery skin of yellow onions has a yellow-brown or pale golden colour. There are multi-facet uses of yellow onion.

Another name for yellow onion is brown onion. The stronger and more complex flavour of a yellow onion can be attributed to the presence of a significantly large proportion of sulfur.

There are different varieties of yellow onion which are grown throughout the year. However, the only similar component in all these onions is quercetin. 

Usually, yellow or brown onions are grown in the spring or fall season. Thereby, they are stored for use throughout the year. As a result, yellow onions are available year-round.

Yellow onions are the dominant type grown in Northern Europe and the United States of America. Yellow onions require storage in a cool temperature and dark atmosphere. 

To store yellow onions for a longer period, they should be wrapped in paper and put in the refrigerator. It is advised to put cut or peeled yellow onions in a plastic bag before storing them in a refrigerator.

Yellow onions are, thus, ideal for dishes such as French Onion soup, sauteed dishes, and seekh kebabs. 

Main Differences Between White Onions and Yellow Onions 

1. White onions possess a high sugar and low sulphur content. On the other hand, yellow onions consist of a significantly large proportion of sulphur.
2. Another name for white onions is sweet onion. In contrast, another name for yellow onions is brown onion. 
3. White onions are ideal for sandwiches and salads. On the other hand, yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing. 
4. White onions have bright white papery skin and white flesh. On the other hand, yellow onions have golden papery skin and light yellow flesh.
5. White onions have a milder taste as compared to yellow onions.

References

1. https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-sweet-yel-130223#:~:text=Yellow%20onions%20have%20a%20nice,sweeter%20the%20longer%20they%20cook.&text=White%20Onions%20%E2%80%93%20These%20onions%20tend,a%20thinner%2C%20more%20papery%20skin. 
2. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/types-of-onions/ 

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023