Are purple onions and red onions the same thing?

[KLynn]

I know it probably a silly question...but I don't know, and I see both listed often...any answers??

[DmOrtega]

I've always thought they were the same.

[Wendy w]

Hi KLynn, I don't think that this is silly at all! Yes, I think so. I call them "purple" onions and whenever a recipe calls for "red" onions, this is what I buy, it works for me.

This is sort of like the scallop pronunciation thread where some people wear gym shoes!

[Jewel]

You say Scallion, I say Green Onion!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[ewatkins]

Just to add to the confusion -- I have seen some gorgeous, huge purple scallions in the Farmer's Mkt. But they are still scallions, and not "purple onions".

[Sara Emily]

I guess the same principle holds true with "red" and "pink" grapefruit! I went grocery shopping this a.m., and the check-out lady was having the dickins of a time finding the code for PINK grapefruit. It turned out that was because the store does not "recognize" pink g'fruit - only red and white ones!

[chefbec]

Originally posted by Jewel:
You say Scallion, I say Green Onion!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Good one, Jewel. Actually, I think that they are two different things. I always thought they were the same, but read that one of them is bigger (but which one?!!)
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[This message has been edited by chefbec (edited 06-09-2001).]

[funnybone]

I have always assumed they are the same, although I don't think the grocery stores get the same variety all the time. I prefer the small to medium sized one, but sometimes they have them the size of a small grapefruit. I hate those!

[chefbec]

As far as I know, there are red onions (purple in color; so why didn't they call them purple onions to begin with?!), white onions, yellow (or Spanish) onions (I think), Vidalia onions, and pearl onions. And scallions and green onions. I have never seen any others as far as I know. I've always purchased "red" (purple) onions for recipes and never seen them called purple onions. And no question is ever silly on the BB.