From bold to delicate, here’s how to use every type of onion we stock in-store.
At Gertrude Grocer, we’re passionate about produce — and that includes the humble onion, which is anything but basic. Whether you’re building the base of a soup, adding zing to a salad, or finishing a dish with something fresh and green, the right onion makes all the difference.
We stock a premium selection of onions, carefully chosen from trusted growers and local stallholders. Here’s your go-to guide to the different varieties you’ll find in-store, and how to use them in your everyday (or gourmet) cooking.
1. Brown Onions
Bold • Caramelises Beautifully • Essential Base
Brown onions are your all-purpose kitchen staple. They have a strong, pungent flavour when raw, but mellow out beautifully when cooked. These are perfect for:
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Sauces, stews and soups
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Curries and braises
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Caramelised onion bases
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Homemade stocks
🛒 Look for firm, papery skin and dry roots — our brown onions are grown for optimal sweetness when slow-cooked.
2. Red Onions
Sweet • Crunchy • Perfect Raw or Pickled
Red onions are milder and slightly sweeter than brown. Their bright colour makes them ideal for dishes where they’re used raw or lightly cooked. Try them in:
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Salads and slaws
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Tacos and wraps
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Mediterranean grain bowls
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Quick pickles with vinegar & sugar
🌿 Pro tip: Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to soften their bite without losing their crunch.
3. Shallots
Delicate • Aromatic • Gourmet Favourite
Shallots look like small, elongated brown onions but offer a more refined, subtle flavour. They're a favourite in French and Asian cuisine and work beautifully in:
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Vinaigrettes and dressings
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Slow-cooked sauces (think béarnaise or red wine jus)
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Stir-fries and marinades
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Roasted whole for an elegant side
✨ We source premium-grade shallots that are ideal for slow-sautéing into sweetness or finely dicing into elegance.
4. Spring Onions (Scallions)
Fresh • Versatile • Perfect Finisher
Spring onions have a crisp texture and a fresh, peppery flavour — and they’re entirely edible from root to tip. They’re perfect raw or quickly sautéed in:
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Omelettes and scrambled eggs
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Stir-fries and Asian noodle dishes
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Salads and grain bowls
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Garnishing soups, tacos, and dumplings
🛍️ Ours are always fresh, bright, and never wilted — just the way spring onions should be.
5. Leeks
Mild • Sweet • Soup Essential
Leeks are related to onions but have a more delicate flavour, especially when sautéed. Their layered stalks melt down into rich, velvety bases. Best used in:
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Potato & leek soup
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Tarts and quiches
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Risottos and creamy pasta sauces
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Roasted whole or grilled with olive oil
🔪 When prepping leeks, be sure to clean between the layers — our fresh bunches come with plenty of white stalk and minimal waste.
Find Them All at Gertrude Grocer
We handpick our produce from trusted local stallholders, choosing for flavour, freshness and consistency. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or entertaining with elevated home cooking, our range of onions will have you layering flavour like a pro.
📍 Visit us in-store to browse our full fresh produce range
🛒 Or order online for Click & Collect.
Bonus Tip: Try This Onion Medley Bake
Chop a mix of red onion, shallots, and leek. Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and thyme. Roast until golden and serve with roast chicken or over polenta.