Onions are endlessly versatile and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. Native to Asia, these underground bulbs are prized all over the world for the depth and flavour that they add to savoury dishes. Dry onions are fully matured, with juicy flesh and dry, papery skin and have a pungent flavour that becomes wonderfully sweet upon lengthy cooking.

Varieties of onion differ in size, strength and colour.

Onions have a pale golden skin, greenish white flesh and a strong taste.

Red onions are an attractive, milder alternative. They have a shiny purple skin and red - tinged flesh.

Spanish onions are amongst the largest type available. These onions have a rich golden coloured skin. They tend to have a particularly sweet, mild flavour.