Onion powder isdehydrated, groundonion used as aseasoning.[1] It is a common ingredient inseasoned salt andspice mixes,[1] such asbeau 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 andsalt as primary ingredients.
Commercial onion powders are prepared usingdehydration,freeze-drying, vacuum-shelf drying and flow drying.[5] Some commercial onion powders areirradiated 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 tocaking when stored in warmer environments, with increased temperatures corresponding to a shorter time for the occurrence of caking.[8] It is generally accepted that commercial onion powder is around ten times stronger in flavor compared to fresh onion.[7]
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 ananticaking agent.[10] The salt may help prevent the loss of onion flavor in the mixture by reducing 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 done before mixing 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]
Onion powder may be used as a seasoning atop a variety of foods and dishes, such aspasta,pizza, andgrilled chicken. It is a primary ingredient inbeau monde seasoning.[2] and is sometimes used as ameat rub.[1] Onion powder is also an ingredient in some commercially prepared foods, such as sauces, soups,[11] and salad dressings. Additionally, it can be used in various recipes like burgers or meatloaf.[citation needed]
Onion salt is used as a seasoning on finished dishes[9] and as an ingredient in many types of dishes, such as meat and vegetable dishes, casseroles and soups.[citation needed]
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