Ingredient Information

Function

Onion powder is a spice used to add strong onion flavor to dishes. It can be used instead of onion to add extra onion flavor. Some of the best ways to use this product is by adding it to gravies and sauces or to sprinkle over salads and vegetables, stir into soups or include in a marinade.

Other Use and Industries

Health Effects

Since onion powder is used in such small amounts in recipes, the health effects are not usually noted, however there are some small benefits. Onion powder is low in sodium and is a great substitute for other high-sodium spice mixtures. It is also low in fat and calories. Onion powder also has a small amount of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Calcium is goof for your teeth and bones and well as muscle function, while potassium helps bones as well it is best for regulating blood pressure. Magnesium contributes to immunity and muscle and nerve function.

Origins

Onion powder is made from finely ground, dehydrated onions, mainly the pungent varieties of bulb onions, which causes the powder to have a very strong smell. Typically the onions are dried and then ground. The end product is a white powder with an intense onion scent. There are many different varieties: white, red, yellow and toasted. Each of these has a distinct onion aroma and flavor. In addition to onion powder you may also find onion flakes, which are the dehydrated flakes of onion that have not yet been ground up. Onion powder loses its potency after one year.