Washington State is famous for the Walla Walla Sweet Onion, available in season during the summer, usually from June to August.
The origin of the unknown, but a few theories suggest that the first onions were grown in central Asia, Iran, or West Pakistan.
The versatile onion comes in three colors: Yellow, Red and White. Yellow onions are also called "storage" onions and available from July through March in Washington State.
Source: The National Onion Association
Onions usually make your eye smarting when you chop them due to the sulfite compounds contained in onions. But sauteed or cooked onions usually bring out the sweetness and rich flavor also known as umami, the fifth taste sensation. The secret for the sweetness of cooked onions is also due to the sulfite compounds.
Tips:
Choose onions with a smooth surface that are firm and dry.
Whole onions should be kept in a cool, dark place and should be used within four weeks.
Cut onions should be stored in the refrigerator and are good for 2-3 days.
Posters:
- Harvest of the Month Poster [PDF] for alliums in December with nutrition facts - from Whatcom Farm to School
Handouts and presentations:
- Harvest of the Month handout [PDF] with activities, nutrition facts, reading list, and more - from Whatcom Farm to School
- Powerpoint presentation [PPT] with allium facts - from Whatcom Farm to School
- Mushrooms trivia sheet [DOC] with trivia, teaching tips, facts and more - from Whatcom Farm to School
