Cocktail Onions — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 5, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 30 kcal
Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Carbs | 7 g | 2.55% |
Fiber | 1 g | 3.57% |
Sugars | 0 g | - |
Glycemic Index | 35 | - |
Protein | 1 g | 2% |
Sodium | 1200 mg | 52.17% |
Total Fat | 0 | - |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
30
🍏 Low-Calorie Foods
35
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Low in calories, making them a healthy and flavorful addition to cocktails and dishes.
- Rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and folate, which support overall health and well-being.
- May support digestive health due to their fiber content, promoting regular bowel movements.
Health risks
- High sodium content as cocktail onions are often pickled in brine, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks when consumed frequently.
- Potential for artificial additives such as preservatives or colorings in some commercial varieties, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas when consumed in large quantities due to their fiber content.
- Risk of contamination if not properly processed or stored, potentially leading to foodborne illness.
How to choose cocktail onions
Select cocktail onions that are uniform in size and appear clear in their brine. They should be firm to the touch. Check that the brine is not cloudy, as clarity indicates they have been properly preserved.
Stay away from jars where the onions have floating debris or a discolored brine. Quality cocktail onions should be crisp and mildly sweet.
How to store cocktail onions
Cocktail onions should be stored in the refrigerator after opening. Keep them in their original brine and ensure the jar is tightly sealed. Properly stored, they can last several months.
Exposure to air can lead to spoilage, so it’s crucial to keep the jar tightly closed. Avoid storing them near strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination when serving cocktail onions.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Cocktail onions can last for 1-2 years unopened when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and used within 1-2 months. Always ensure they are submerged in their brine for the best quality.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover cocktail onions can be used to add a tangy, savory flavor to a variety of dishes. Chop them and add to salads for a bit of crunch, or mix them into potato salad or coleslaw for extra zing. Cocktail onions are also great as a garnish for cocktails, such as a Gibson martini.
Use cocktail onions in stews or braises, where they add depth and a touch of sweetness. They can also be sliced and added to sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful bite. If you have a lot of cocktail onions, consider adding them to a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, meats, and pickles. Cocktail onions can also be mixed into a tartar sauce for dipping, or used as a topping for burgers and grilled meats. For a quick snack, simply enjoy them straight from the jar or add them to a mixed pickle plate.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
How cocktail onions support specific health conditions
Cocktail onions are a small variety of onions rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin, which support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. They also contain sulfur compounds that promote immune health and help detoxify the body. Cocktail onions are low in calories and high in fiber, supporting digestive health and aiding in regular bowel movements. Additionally, they contain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which promote skin health and help regulate blood pressure.
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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