Vegetable
Pearl Onion
A tier
Pearl onions are marble-sized white (sometimes red or gold) bulbs sold for stews, cocktails, and creamed sides. They may be true small A. cepa types or overlapping with related small alliums in trade. Flavour is onion-true but portioned for whole use; peeling is the classic chore, eased by blanching. Creamed peas and pearls, coq au vin, or pickled cocktail onions define their roles. Frozen peeled pearls are a legitimate shortcut. Avoid overcooking to mush—short simmer after sauce building is enough.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Small white onions entered formal European and American recipes as pearls for garnish and stew.
Frozen peeled pearl onions made the form an everyday convenience product.
Cocktail and stewing uses kept pearl onions in specialty produce and freezer aisles.