Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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.
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Comercializadora de Especialdides | Vista Hermosa Ej Chapuitepec B.C. | 646-128-7028 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Miguel's 4S Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-924-9200 |
| Semola | La Jolla CA | 858-247-9670 |
| Open Gym-Craft Meals | San Diego CA | 619-865-3024 |
| Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-886-0059 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Cipollini Onions. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Nola |
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Roasted Cipollini Onions |
| Swanky Recipes |
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Lighter Pot Pie |
| No Spoon Neccessary |
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Mushrooms & Onions in a Wine-Butter Sauce |
| Cook Almost Anything |
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Borettane Onion Tart |
Recently Shared
People have shared Italian Cipollini Onions using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 623 days ago, 8/31/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 634 days ago, 8/20/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 662 days ago, 7/23/20 Sharer's comments : Schaner Farms delivering the goods! Look at these cippolini onions! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 671 days ago, 7/14/20 Sharer's comments : What a find! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 686 days ago, 6/29/20 Sharer's comments : Cipollini Onions are available at Specialty Produce! Locally Sourced from Schaner Farms |
