Onion flakes are a dehydrated alternative to fresh versions, and they can either be bought at a grocery store or made from scratch. Store-bought dehydrated onions can come in three varieties — red, yellow, and white — and the type that you choose depends on the recipe that you are making. Organic dehydrated onions are widely available at health food stores, but they might be more expensive than conventional versions found in supermarkets. A cheaper way to obtain onion flakes is to make them from scratch.
Dried onion pieces are a convenient alternative to using the whole vegetable because they are stored in containers and are readily available when needed during cooking. The flakes are made from chopped onions that are dehydrated and then stored. During the dehydration process, some of the pieces might lose their flavor, but this cooking tool is still considered to be more pungent than onion powder.
The best onion flakes that you choose first depend on the recipes that you are cooking. Red dried onions pair well with salads, but they also complement grilled and roasted meals well. Yellow onions are perhaps the most common types available, and they are also prevalent in the form of dehydrated flakes. These onion flakes are versatile in just about any dish, but they are especially popular in soups. White dehydrated onion pieces are most commonly used for sautéing into sauces, but they are also widely utilized in Mexican food dishes.
Organic onion flakes are another option if you prefer a product that is harvested and processed without the use of chemicals. Also, the original onions used to make these products are not grown in synthetic soil. Organic dried onion flakes are most commonly purchased from health food stores that sell natural products, but some grocery chains might offer a limited selection as well. Keep in mind that organic onion flakes might cost more than conventional versions because they are not as widely available in many regions.
Homemade dried onions are often preferred by both gardeners and cooks because they are cheaper and generally have stronger tastes than store-bought versions. This is also a money-saving option if you want to preserve an onion for later use. In order to make onion flakes, you will need to dehydrate pieces of the vegetable at a high temperature for approximately 24 hours. Once the pieces have turned brittle, you can then store them in an airtight container. Just like store-bought versions, these homemade dried onions do not require refrigeration.
