Avoid eating this type of onion. It's toxic and can cause poisoning
Onions, with their distinctive smell that fills our homes during cooking, are a fantastic ingredient often used to enhance the taste of various dishes. Whether they're caramelized or fried, these versatile vegetables are a staple in many meals. With proper storage, they can last for several months. However, there are instances where they are not suitable for consumption.
6:44 PM EDT, November 4, 2023
Despite onions being both valuable and long-lasting, able to endure a lot and last several months if stored properly, they are not invulnerable. Even with the best storage methods, sprouts may appear on onions. So, what should you do in this situation? With potatoes, we know sprouts are a sign to discard, but are sprouted onions safe to eat, or should we also throw them away?
Understanding sprouts
Sprouts, which appear not only on onions but other vegetables like garlic and potatoes, are a natural part of these vegetables' life cycles. They begin to show up when the vegetable is in suitable conditions for growth and development. Interestingly, these conditions do not necessarily involve being planted in the ground. Simply storing the onion in a humid, bright, and warm place can encourage sprouting. The vegetable "takes it as a sign" that it's springtime, and it's time to sprout.
Surprisingly, eating a sprouted onion is not harmful at all, as long as it is not rotten or soft. Every part of such an onion is completely safe for consumption, including the sprouts, which are comparable in taste to shallots and can be added to a variety of dishes. The only downside is that sprouting makes the onion lose its natural sweetness and take on a slightly bitter taste.
However, when the onion turns soft, rotten, moldy, or mushy, consuming it can lead to illness. A spoiled onion is indeed toxic and is not fit for consumption.
