Italian Cipollini Onions
Estimated Inventory, 10 lbs : 7.18
This item was last sold on : 11/20/24
Description/Taste
Cipollini onions are small in size, averaging 3-8 centimeters in diameter, and have petite, saucer-shaped bulbs that are round and slightly flattened. The bulb is covered in a thin, yellow-gold, papery skin that adheres tightly to the flesh. Underneath the skin, the white, almost translucent flesh is firm, juicy, and has many layers of white rings. In their raw state, Cipollini onions have a mild aroma, are crisp, and are semi-sweet with a pungent flavor, but once cooked, they sweeten and soften into a tender, almost melting, texture.
Seasons/Availability
Cipollini onions are available year-round, with a peak season in the fall.
Current Facts
Cipollini onions, botanically classified as Allium cepa, are an Italian heirloom variety that is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. Also known as Borettana onions, a name after the onion’s native town of Boretto, Italy, Cipollini onions can be found in shades of red, yellow, and white. The name Cipollini also translates from Italian to mean "little onion," and this bulb is valued by chefs and home cooks for its tender texture, small size, and caramelized, sweet flavor when cooked. Common Cipollini onion varieties include Gold Princess, Flat of Italy, Bianca di Maggio and Noordhollandse Bloedrode.
Nutritional Value
Cipollini onions contain vitamin C, fiber, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Applications
Cipollini onions are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as roasting, baking, sautéing, and pickling. When used fresh, the petite onions can be quickly blanched in boiling water and then placed in an ice bath to help loosen the thin, papery skin for easier removal. The high sugar content of Cipollini onions also allows for caramelization and is used whole in stews, roasts, or casseroles. The onion can be chopped and mixed into mushroom tarts, pasta, potato salads, skewered on kabobs, or pickled and served as a condiment. Cipollini onions pair well with balsamic vinegar, mushrooms, chives, green onions, fennel, parsley, thyme, tomatoes, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, potatoes, olives, red wine, cured meats, and charcuterie. The bulbs will keep up to two months when stored in a cool and dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Cipollini onions originated in the Reggio Emilia province of Italy, which is an area also known for Prosciutto of Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. The small bulbs are traditionally braised in a sweet and sour tomato sauce, consisting of tomatoes, salt, pepper, vinegar, and olive oil. Cipollini onions were once considered a poor man’s food in ancient Rome around 1500 BCE, but today the onions have grown in popularity and are commonly served at high ends restaurants and sold at gourmet shops.
Geography/History
Cipollini onions are native to Boretto, Italy and were first cultivated in the 1400s. Originally grown for domestic distribution, the Cipollini onion became widespread as the bulbs traveled across Europe and subsequently to America with Italian immigrants. Today Cipollini onions are grown around the world in Mediterranean climates and can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Salt & Whiskey | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
| Sepulveda Meats & Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-501-1878 |
| Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| UPAC Enterprise Center | San Diego CA | 6192557644 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Asti Ristorante | San Diego CA | 619-232-8844 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Cipollini Onions. One
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