Purple onion is a variety of bulb onion with a rich purple hue that extends not only to the outer layers but also to the bulb flesh. The average weight of bulbs of this variety ranges from 60 to 100 grams. Due to the high content of sugar and essential oils, the onion has a sweet-spicy taste, making it a popular ingredient in cooking, especially in raw form, which allows preserving all beneficial vitamins and micronutrients such as calcium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, selenium, zinc, sodium, and iron. Additionally, the onion contains fiber and antioxidants necessary for the health of the body.
This variety of onion is also known as red or blue onion, and its origin is linked to the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, where it received the name Yalta or Crimean onion. Depending on the growing region and care conditions, the color of the layers may vary from bright to more muted. The onion is characterized by good yield and unpretentiousness in care, making it convenient for cultivation in various climatic conditions.
Purple onion can be used fresh for preparing salads and other dishes where a rich taste and aroma are important. It retains its taste qualities and beneficial properties when stored in a cool place for up to four months. For planting, it is recommended to soak seeds in warm water for a day, and the planting depth is about 5 cm. The plant height reaches approximately 15 cm, which allows growing onions for obtaining fresh greens for an extended period.
