What to look for
Choose firm bulbs without soft spots or mold.
Store it thoughtfully
Keep whole dry onions in a cool, dry, ventilated place; refrigerate cut onion in a covered container.
How to use it
Cut consistently. Sweat gently for a pale base or cook longer for deeper browning.
When you need a substitute
Shallots or leeks offer different but useful aromatic profiles.
A common pitfallHigh heat burns edges before a crowded pan of onions softens.
Substitutions change flavor, texture, and sometimes safety or structure. Check the recipe and product labels, especially for dietary needs.
