Pearl onion

A pearl onion is a type of tree onion grown mostly for pickling as a cocktail onion. However because of its unique diminutive appearance and much sweeter than bulb onion taste it has found use in dishes ranging from middle 20th century American casserole dishes such as succotash to sweetly flavored onion relishes in Indian cuisine. Pearl onions are not a specific variety but are small, round, white onions harvested when 25 mm (1 inch) or less in diameter. Peeled pearl onion- To peel, use a small sharp knife, such as a paring knife, and cut off the root end of the onion. Then make a shallow crisscross cut on the trimmed edge. Place the onions whole into a saucepan and add water to cover onions. Bring to a boil and let boil for two minutes. Drain, and when cool enough to handle, squeeze the onion gently with your fingers to slip the outside skins off.