Pearl onion

The pearl onion (Allium ampeloprasum var. sectivum or A. ampeloprasum 'Pearl-Onion Group'),[1] also known as button or baby onions in the UK,[2] or creamers in the US,[3] is a close relative of the leek (A. ampeloprasum var. porrum), and may be distinguished from common onions by having only a single storage leaf,[4] similar to cloves of garlic. In French they are known as oignon grelot. One English-speaking reference also mentions the term petit poireau antillais.[5]

Pearl onion
Pearl onions and peas topping a crockpot dish
SpeciesAllium ampeloprasum var. sectivum or A. ampeloprasum 'Pearl-Onion Group'
Cultivar'Pearl onion'

Cultivation and storage

Pearl onions are cultivated mostly in Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy,[6] usually in home gardens,[1] although formerly on a commercial scale.[5] They are mostly used for pickling.[7]

The majority of onions grown for pickling are common onions (A. cepa).[8] They are grown to a small size suitable for pickling by planting at a high density.[9]

Known small white varieties include Crystal Wax,[6] or White Bermuda.[10] Red varieties are milder in flavour.[11] Pearl onions are ready to harvest from seed in 90 days.[10] They can be stored for up to a month in a cool, dry, dark place.[11][12]

Consumption
Pickled pearl onions.

Because of its uniquely small size and a taste sweeter than that of a common onion,[2][10] it has also been used in dishes ranging from mid-20th-century American casserole dishes such as succotash to sweetly flavored onion relishes in Indian cuisine. It can also be used in stews soups or sautéed (fried) with other vegetables.[3][2][13] It can also be used in cocktails such as "martini standing".[6]

Pearl onions are a staple to the cuisine of Northern Europe. Also in modern Europe they are used as a beautiful flowering plant and in Israel as a cut flower.[5]

Pearl onions contain chemical compounds that have health benefits including helping cardiovascular health and stabilize blood sugar levels, and acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.[11][12]

Cultural references

Larry Wall's yearly serious State of the Onion speeches about advancements in Perl programming, an allusion to the many layers of the language, are named as a pun both on the pearl onion and the US presidents' State of the Union addresses.

gollark: You could just *pretend* to delete it but really lock it to everyone.
gollark: You could probably cover most of the simpler questions with stuff like where you can buy good lasers and safety goggles, some basic information on colors/wavelengths, and safety stuff.
gollark: Maybe it would also be useful to have a "laser basics FAQ".
gollark: It's not like dangerous HV stuff gets to the starboard.
gollark: I don't actually know much about high voltage or whatever, but I kind of want to join just to have some idea of what the [REDACTED] is going on in it.

References
  1. Fritsch, R.M.; N. Friesen (2002). "Chapter 1: Evolution, Domestication, and Taxonomy". In H.D. Rabinowitch and L. Currah (ed.). Allium Crop Science: Recent Advances. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing. p. 9. ISBN 0-85199-510-1.
  2. "Onion". waitrose.com. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  3. Pearson, Liz (21 December 2007). "SKINNING A PEARL ONION". saveur.com. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  4. AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center. "Onion cultivation". Archived from the original on 4 March 2011. Retrieved 25 April 2011.
  5. "Parisian Onions". traveltoeat.com. 17 June 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  6. Linda Griffith and Fred Griffith Onions, Onions, Onions: Delicious Recipes for the World's Favorite Secret ..., p. 126, at Google Books
  7. Hanelt, Peter (2001). "Alliaceae". In P. Hanelt (ed.). Mansfeld's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops (except ornamentals). Berlin: Spring-Verlag. p. 2266. ISBN 3-540-41017-1.
  8. Fritsch, R.M.; N. Friesen (2002). "Chapter 1: Evolution, Domestication, and Taxonomy". In H.D. Rabinowitch and L. Currah (ed.). Allium Crop Science: Recent Advances. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing. p. 20. ISBN 0-85199-510-1.
  9. Brewster, James L. (1994). Onions and other vegetable alliums (1st ed.). Wallingford, UK: CAB International. p. 212. ISBN 0-85198-753-2.
  10. "Pearl Onions". cooksinfo.com. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  11. "Pearl Onions". bonappetit.com. 6 February 2008. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  12. "Pearl onion nutrition selection storage". fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  13. Maister, Kathy. "How to Peel Pearl Onions". startcooking.com/. Retrieved 23 January 2017.


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