Onion powder is dehydrated, ground onion that is commonly used^{[ United States-centric]} as a seasoning. ^[1] It is a common ingredient in seasoned salt and spice mixes, ^[1] such as beau monde seasoning. ^[2] Some varieties are prepared using toasted onion. ^{[1] [3]} White, yellow and red onions may be used. ^[1] Onion powder is a commercially prepared food product that has several culinary uses. Onion powder can also be homemade. ^[4]

Onion salt is a spice preparation using dried onion and salt as primary ingredients.

Commercial production

Commercial onion powders are prepared using dehydration, freeze-drying, vacuum-shelf drying and flow drying. ^[5] Some commercial onion powders are irradiated as a treatment against potential microbial contamination. ^[6] It readily absorbs water upon contact, so commercial varieties may be packaged in airtight containers with a liner atop the container. ^[7] Onion powder with a moisture content of 4–5 percent is prone to caking when stored in warmer environments, with increased temperatures corresponding to a shorter time for the occurrence of caking. ^[8] Of general acceptance is that commercial onion powder is around ten times stronger in flavor compared to fresh onion. ^[7]

Onion salt

Early commercial preparations of onion salt were simply a mixture of onion powder and salt. ^[9] An example ratio for earlier commercial preparations is one part salt to every five parts of dehydrated onion. ^[9] Contemporary versions typically utilize dried granulated onion and salt, and usually include an anticaking agent. ^[10] The salt may serve to prevent the loss of onion flavor in the mixture, by preventing the evaporation of onion oil. ^[9] The development of commercial onion salt preparations included formulating products that reduced the strong odor of onion in the product and on the breath of consumers who eat it. ^[9]

Commercial preparation of onion salt involves the testing and sorting of onions by the degree of onion flavor they have, as flavor constituents can vary considerably among various onion varieties. ^[9] This is performed prior to mixing, in order to produce a consistent final product. ^[9] Some commercial onion salt preparations are never touched by human hands, as the stages of processing are all performed using automated processes. ^[9]

Culinary uses

Onion powder may be used as a seasoning atop a variety of foods and dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and grilled chicken. It is also a primary ingredient in beau monde seasoning. ^[2] It is also sometimes used as a meat rub. ^[1] Onion powder is also an ingredient in some commercially prepared foods, such as sauces, soups, ^[11] and salad dressings. It can also be used in many other recipes such as burgers or meatloaf.

Onion salt is used as a seasoning atop finished dishes ^[9] and as an ingredient in many types of dishes, such as meat and vegetable dishes, casseroles and soups.

See also

References

Further reading

• Granovskaya, R.Y.; Korneva, L.Y. (1973). Quality Variation of Onion Powder During Storage in Polymer Packaging. Defense Technical Information Center. 5 pages.