Top 10 Onion varieties in India

MUMBAI, 14 February 2024: Onions, the humble yet irreplaceable bulb, form the backbone of countless Indian dishes. From the pungent tadka in dals to the caramelized sweetness in korma, their versatility knows no bounds. But did you know India boasts a diverse range of onion varieties, each adding unique textures and flavors to your culinary creations?

Let's embark on a flavorful journey as we explore the top 10 onion varieties in India...

1. Nasik Red: Hailing from Maharashtra, this deep red onion boasts a strong, pungent aroma and a slightly sweet flavor. Known for its excellent storage life, it's a popular choice for everyday cooking and adds depth to curries and chutneys.

2. Pusa Red: Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), this high-yielding variety offers a medium-sized bulb with a deep red skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Ideal for salads, raitas, and stir-fries, its crisp texture and juicy flesh elevate any dish.

3. Agrifound Dark Red: Bred by the National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF), this variety thrives in tropical climates and produces large, dark red bulbs with a sharp, pungent flavor. Perfect for adding a bold punch to curries, pickles, and pakoras, it's a favorite among spice enthusiasts.

4. Bhima White: Cultivated mainly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, this medium-sized white onion possesses a thin skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Its juicy flesh and crisp texture make it perfect for slicing, dicing, and adding a subtle oniony touch to salads, sandwiches, and raitas.

5. Pusa Ratnar: Another IARI creation, this high-yielding variety produces medium-sized, pinkish-red bulbs with a slightly sweet and pungent flavor. Known for its excellent storage life and disease resistance, it's a versatile choice for everyday cooking and adds a balanced flavor to curries, dals, and stir-fries.

6. Agrifound Rose: Developed by the NHRDF, this visually stunning onion has an attractive rose-colored skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Its medium-sized bulbs and crisp texture make it ideal for salads, garnishes, and pickling, adding a unique visual and flavor dimension to your dishes.

7. Bellary Red: Grown extensively in Karnataka, this large, deep red onion possesses a strong, pungent flavor and a slightly sweet undertone. Its robust aroma and thick flesh make it ideal for adding depth to curries, dals, and chutneys, particularly in South Indian cuisine.

8. Arka Niketan: Developed by the IARI, this early-maturing variety produces medium-sized, white bulbs with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Its juicy flesh and crisp texture make it perfect for salads, raitas, and sandwiches, adding a delicate oniony touch without overpowering other ingredients.

9. Sambar Onion: Often referred to as "mini onions," these tiny, reddish-brown bulbs pack a powerful punch of flavor. Grown mainly in South India, they boast a sharp, pungent aroma and are used whole or sliced in sambar, rasam, and chutneys, adding a distinct depth and complexity.

10. Agrifound White Round: Developed by the NHRDF, this variety produces medium-sized, white bulbs with a thin skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Its juicy flesh and crisp texture make it a versatile choice for slicing, dicing, and adding a subtle oniony touch to salads, raitas, and garnishes.

Choosing the Right Onion

The ideal onion variety for your dish depends on the desired flavor profile and texture. For strong, pungent notes, opt for Nasik Red, Agrifound Dark Red, or Bellary Red. For milder, sweeter flavors, choose Pusa Red, Pusa Ratnar, or Agrifound White Round. Sambar onions are perfect for adding a distinct punch to South Indian dishes, while Agrifound Rose adds a unique visual appeal to salads and garnishes.

Beyond the Basics

Explore the diverse world of Indian onions and experiment with different varieties to discover their unique characteristics. Remember, fresh, locally sourced onions offer the best flavor and crunch. So, next time you reach for this pantry staple, remember the vast landscape of flavors waiting to be unveiled!