This item
Onion
- Round bulb with a basal root disc
- Yellow-brown or purple papery skin
- Concentric fleshy rings when cut
Vegetables
Onion
Round bulb with a basal root disc; Yellow-brown or purple papery skin; Concentric fleshy rings when cut.
Share with Helper
Choose the recipient language and share that exact page.
3 identity clues
- Round bulb with a basal root disc
- Yellow-brown or purple papery skin
- Concentric fleshy rings when cut
Names in other languages
- 繁體中文
- 洋蔥
- English
- Onion
- Bahasa Indonesia
- Bawang bombai
- Tagalog
- Sibuyas
What is it?
An onion is a bulb with layers of fleshy rings. Remove the dry skin and slice it for stir-fries, soup or sauces.
How to identify it
Check these features together: Round bulb with a basal root disc; Yellow-brown or purple papery skin; Concentric fleshy rings when cut. Colour alone is not sufficient. For packaged Onion, confirm the name, ingredients or intended use on the original label. Ask the vendor about loose food; never taste to identify it.
Common confusion
Compare
Shallot
- Small oval or elongated bulbs
- Purple-brown dry skin
- Compact flesh sometimes divided into lobes
How to identify it
Onion has a rounded bulb with concentric fleshy layers when cut; spring onion usually has a slender base and hollow green leaves. A white base alone is not enough: compare the whole shape and cut surface, and confirm cut produce with the vendor.
Common Hong Kong household uses
Slice for stir-fries, soup or sauces.
Choosing & preparing
Remove the dry skin and ends; place a flat cut side on the board before slicing.
Storage
Keep whole uncut bulbs or roots cool, dry and ventilated; refrigerate cut portions covered and use promptly.
Helper tip
For Onion, check round bulb with a basal root disc. If uncertain, verify the label or ask the employer before using it.
Useful market phrase
唔該，我想要洋蔥，請幫我確認名稱同用途。Meaning: I would like Onion, please. Help me confirm its name and use.
Does the image look correct?
Last reviewed: