Onion sprouts are young onion plants that can be grown at home and provide a mild taste. They are high in protein and vitamins and can be used in cooking or as a substitute for greens. However, proper washing or cooking is necessary to avoid bacterial growth.
Onion sprouts are immature onion plants that have grown over a period of only 10-15 days. The shoots are eaten in this juvenile form, usually when they are 2 to 3 inches tall (about 5 to 8 centimeters). They provide a very mild taste compared to a fully formed onion. Unlike other seeds, onion sprouts grow the actual plant from their seeds instead of the root system. Onion sprouts can be grown at home and, if grown without pesticides and herbicides, would then be appreciated for their nutritional properties and their lack of chemicals often found in growing commercial crops.
As a member of the allium family, onion sprouts are the same plant variety that includes garlic. While individual plants may vary, the sprouts smell and taste similar to onions, though not as intense. The way they grow makes them similar in appearance to a small shallot.
Onion sprouts can be grown in a very small space in your home. They require indirect sunlight once they have started showing green shoots, but are otherwise easy to germinate and grow. This method of acquiring sprouts is popular because the amount of chemicals used can be strictly controlled or eliminated completely. There are commercial home germination systems that can automate nearly every step of the process, allowing sprouts to grow at any time of year. They can even be grown successfully using hydroponic or aeroponic methods.
In East Asian countries, different types of sprouts have long been used in cooking. They can be fried with other ingredients to provide a subtle flavor or used raw as a side dish or textural complement. People following a raw food diet have found that sprouts are an integral part of their nutritional intake. The sprouts can also be substituted for some greens and added to salads.
There are many nutritional benefits of consuming onion sprouts. They are high in protein and are also a good source of vitamins A, B and C. They also have significant amounts of potassium, iron and calcium. Compared to a mature onion, the sprouts have a much higher concentration of vitamins overall.
One factor to be concerned about when sprouting seeds is that their growing conditions may be conducive to the growth of bacteria. This can lead to the development of E. coli and salmonella in plants. The bacteria can be destroyed, however, with proper washing or cooking of the sprouts.
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