Sweet onions and candy onions are not exactly the same thing, although they do share some similarities. Candy onions are a hybrid variety that falls somewhere between a common onion and a sweet onion. They are known for being sweeter and less sulfuric than conventional onions, but they may still have a bit more pungency compared to typical sweet cultivars.
When it comes to taste, candy onions are generally milder and sweeter than common onions. They have a subtle sweetness that makes them great for eating raw in salads or using in recipes where a milder onion flavor is desired. On the other hand, sweet onions are specifically bred to have a high sugar content and low sulfur content, resulting in a mild and sweet flavor with minimal pungency.
I have personally grown both sweet onions and candy onions in my garden, and I can attest to the differences in taste. While sweet onions have a distinct sweetness that almost resembles a hint of fruitiness, candy onions have a more balanced flavor profile with a touch of sweetness but still retain some of the characteristic onion flavor.
In terms of appearance, candy onions are typically larger in size compared to sweet onions. They have a round or slightly flattened shape with a pale yellow to golden brown skin. On the other hand, sweet onions often have a slightly flattened shape as well, but their skin can range from pale yellow to a light brown or even a pale pinkish hue.
When it comes to culinary uses, both sweet onions and candy onions can be used interchangeably in most recipes that call for sweet onions. However, it’s important to note that candy onions may have a slightly stronger flavor compared to sweet onions, so you may need to adjust the amount used in a recipe accordingly.
Here is a brief summary of the differences between sweet onions and candy onions:
Sweet Onions:
– Specifically bred for high sugar content and low sulfur content
– Mild and sweet flavor with minimal pungency
– Can have a slightly flattened shape with pale yellow to light brown or pale pinkish skin
– Great for eating raw, grilling, roasting, and using in recipes where a milder onion flavor is desired
Candy Onions:
– A hybrid variety between common onions and sweet onions
– Sweeter and less sulfuric than conventional onions, but may still have some pungency
– Larger in size with a round or slightly flattened shape and pale yellow to golden brown skin
– Can be used interchangeably with sweet onions, but may require adjustments in recipe quantities due to slightly stronger flavor
While sweet onions and candy onions are not the same thing, they both offer a milder and sweeter flavor compared to common onions. Candy onions fall somewhere in between common onions and sweet onions in terms of flavor and can be a great choice for those who prefer a balance between sweetness and onion flavor.
