Ground onion is dehydrated onion that has been ground into a powder, used as a convenient seasoning. It's essentially a concentrated form of onion flavor.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Dehydrated: The process involves removing moisture from fresh onions, which significantly extends their shelf life.
- Ground: After dehydration, the dried onion is ground into a fine powder, making it easy to incorporate into various dishes.
- Seasoning: Ground onion adds an onion flavor without the texture of fresh or cooked onions.
Common Uses
Ground onion is a versatile ingredient found in:
- Spice Blends: It's a common component of seasoned salts, spice rubs, and blends like beau monde seasoning.
- Soups and Sauces: It easily dissolves into liquids, providing a background onion flavor.
- Dry Rubs: Used for flavoring meats, poultry, and vegetables before grilling or roasting.
- Convenience Foods: Often found in processed foods like instant noodles and snack foods.
Types of Onions Used
Different types of onions can be used to make ground onion, each lending a slightly different flavor profile:
- White Onions: Offer a pungent and sharp flavor.
- Yellow Onions: Provide a more balanced and versatile flavor.
- Red Onions: Have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to white or yellow onions.
Some manufacturers may also toast the onions before grinding to create a richer, more complex flavor.
In summary, ground onion is a convenient and shelf-stable way to add onion flavor to your cooking without using fresh onions.
