Yellow onions and sweet onions are kitchen staples. They’re incredibly versatile and add unique flavor to a wide range of dishes.
But what’s the difference between a yellow onion vs sweet onion?
This article breaks down the key differences between these two popular onion varieties, exploring their flavor profiles, appearance, and ideal culinary applications. We’ll touch on the primary factors that distinguish them: sulfur content, taste, appearance, and best uses.
What’s a yellow onion?
Yellow onions are your standard, all-purpose cooking onion. They’re more pungent than sweet onions and have a sharper, more robust flavor. Yellow onions are also higher in sulfur, which gives them that characteristic bite.
They’re round and brownish-yellow in appearance.
Chefs often use yellow onions in cooked dishes where a strong onion flavor is desired. They’re also great for long-cooking dishes like soups, stews, and sauces. Caramelizing yellow onions brings out their deep, rich flavor.
Because they’re so versatile and last a long time, yellow onions are a staple in most kitchens.
What are sweet onions?
Compared to yellow onions, sweet onions are milder, crisper, and have a higher water content. You’ll often notice that they’re flatter and larger, too.
Because of their mildness, people often slice them raw into salads or layer them on sandwiches. They’re also great roasted, caramelized, grilled, or battered into onion rings. Sweet onions work best in recipes where they’re either raw or lightly cooked.
Some popular varieties of sweet onions include Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Tropea onions.
Key Differences Between Yellow and Sweet Onions
While both yellow and sweet onions can add flavor to your favorite dishes, there are some key differences that might make you choose one over the other.
Flavor
Yellow onions tend to have a more intense, spicy flavor. This is because they contain more sulfur compounds, which tend to mask the onion’s sweetness.
Sweet onions, on the other hand, have a sweeter taste because they contain more fructose and fewer sulfur compounds. Because of their low pungency, their sweetness shines through.
Appearance
Yellow onions are usually rounder and come in a variety of sizes.
Sweet onions are typically flatter and larger than yellow onions. The color of sweet onions can range from white to yellow, except for the Tropea sweet onions grown in Calabria, Italy, which are red.
Shelf Life
Sweet onions have a shorter shelf life than yellow onions because of their higher water content.
Yellow onions last longer because of their sulfur compounds, which help defend them against pests and molds.
Best Uses
Because of their intense flavor, yellow onions are great for dishes that require longer cooking times or higher heat.
Sweet onions are better for raw or lightly cooked dishes because of their mild, sweet flavor and higher water content.
Can you substitute one for the other?
In most recipes, you can use sweet onions and yellow onions interchangeably. Keep in mind that you might have to adjust your cooking times based on the sweetness and the amount of water they contain.
If you’re using sweet onions instead of yellow onions, cook them longer to let the extra water evaporate. If you’re using yellow onions in place of sweet onions, cook them slowly to coax out a little more sweetness.
When you’re shopping, pick onions that feel heavy and firm and that have intact skins. Store them in a cool, dry, airy place away from sunlight. Don’t store them with potatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which onions are best for cooking?
Honestly, it depends on what you’re cooking! Yellow onions are super versatile and great for everyday cooking because they mellow out as they cook. Sweet onions are better for dishes where you want a mild, sweet flavor to shine. White onions are good for a sharper, more pungent flavor in cooked dishes, or raw in salsas.
Is a yellow onion the same as a sweet onion?
Nope! Yellow onions have a balanced flavor that becomes sweeter when cooked, but they still have that classic onion bite. Sweet onions, on the other hand, are bred to have a much higher sugar content and are less pungent. They’re milder and sweeter, even when raw.
What is the best onion to put on a hamburger?
That’s a matter of taste! For a classic burger, thinly sliced raw yellow onion gives you that sharp, pungent kick. But if you prefer a milder flavor, sweet onions are fantastic, especially if they’re caramelized. Pickled red onions are also a great choice.
What is a good substitute for yellow onions?
If you’re out of yellow onions, white onions are your best bet for a similar flavor profile, though they’ll be a bit sharper. You can also use shallots for a more delicate flavor, or even leeks for a subtle oniony taste. Adjust the amount you use to match the intensity you’re looking for.
Summary
Yellow onions have a stronger, more pungent flavor than sweet onions, which are milder and have a higher sugar content. Because of these differences, yellow and sweet onions are best for different uses.
Choosing the right onion for the dish can make a big difference in the outcome. A sweet onion might be the perfect choice for a raw application, while a yellow onion might be better for a cooked dish.
Understanding the qualities of different types of onions can take your cooking to the next level.