Opening a red onion is a simple process once you know the right technique.

Here's how to do it:

Gather Your Supplies:

You'll need a sharp knife and a cutting board.

Remove the Top and Bottom:

Place the red onion on the cutting board. Using the knife, cut off a small portion of the top (the end with the stem) and the bottom (the root end) of the onion. Discard these ends.

Cut in Half:

Stand the onion upright on the cutting board with one of the flat ends you just created facing down. Slice the onion in half vertically, cutting from the top to the bottom. You should now have two halves of the onion.

Peel the Skin:

Remove the outer papery skin from each onion half. You can usually do this by gently grabbing the edge of the skin with your fingers and peeling it back. If it's stubborn, you can make a small cut in the skin with your knife to get started.

Separate the Layers:

After peeling off the outer skin, you'll notice that the red onion consists of multiple layers. Carefully separate these layers by sliding your fingers between them. Red onions tend to have a mild flavor and are often used in salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.

Slice or Dice as Desired:

Now that you have the individual layers separated, you can slice or dice the onion according to your recipe's requirements. For slices, cut across the layers horizontally. For dicing, make lengthwise cuts first and then crosswise cuts.

Store Unused Onion:

If you have unused portions of the onion, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for later use.

picture from pixabay

Remember to be cautious while handling sharp knives and to use proper cutting techniques to avoid accidents. With practice, you'll become more skilled at opening and preparing red onions efficiently and safely.