No chef likes cooking with wet onions. Higher quality means dryer quality, and there are multiple reasons a high moisture content in onions just doesn’t provide good results. Gills Onions are intentionally developed as low-moisture, premium ingredients.
We spoke with Chef Jacob Locke of Braised Kitchen (a Central Valley farm-to-table restaurant that started as a food truck and has grown into a well-loved brick-and-mortar eatery) all about the benefits of low-moisture onions, how that quality begins in the soil, and why he trusts Gills Onions in his restaurant.
Why Low-Moisture Onions Yield Better Results
High moisture can be a significant drawback in onions and many other produce products.
“Onions are notorious for high moisture,” said Chef Jacob. “You don’t want zero moisture, but you don’t want a ball of onion packed full of water. Gills Onions have the balance you need.”
Some of the reasons low moisture is highly preferred include:
Lower Bacteria Growth and Longer Shelf-Life. If any produce has a high moisture content, it will provide a better environment for bacteria to grow. More bacteria means a shorter shelf life and a quicker decline in quality. Zero moisture doesn’t work, but minimal water content will help produce stay usable longer and yield better recipe results. Low-moisture onions can keep bacteria growth at bay, keeping them lasting longer and tasting better. Gills Onions are so low in moisture that they boast a shelf-life of 18 days, saving waste and money.
Less Flavor Change. That bacteria growth from higher moisture is also going to impact flavor. When you have a pungent odor that resembles decay rather than flavor, you’re smelling bacteria that will negatively impact the final flavors of ingredients. Decay is fermentation, and fermented flavors are difficult to hide. Low-moisture onions have a higher integrity of flavor.
Less Texture Failure. When onions have too much moisture, all those layers will fall apart in the pan when sauteed. The onion can’t hold the integrity of its shape through the cooking process. This will give you a soggy texture and loss of overall quality. Low-moisture onions will maintain a higher-quality texture after being cooked or served fresh.
Healthy Soil Grows Quality Onions
Low-moisture onions don’t grow from good luck. Gills Onions start with intentional soil health that produces the high-quality, low-moisture onions that chefs look for.
“Being mindful of salt content and avoiding synthetic fertilizers are really important for soil health,” said Chef Jacob. “Especially in the growing regions that onions require – these are already salt-dense soils, so thinking sustainable and not just treating all fields the same is going to develop soil that really produces quality onions. Many other growers miss the point that quality starts in the soil.”
Gills Onions has focused on consciously farming with integrity since its founding in 1983, which means staying focused on soil health and sustainable practices. Our soil is balanced with macro- and micro-nutrients that boost soil health and produce quality results. Our soil health efforts use fewer acres and less water while producing higher yields and better quality.
Chefs notice the low-moisture quality of Gills Onions products when they cut into them. That dry product sets them up for success in their recipes and gives them a longer-lasting, better-tasting product.
Options Are What Makes Gills Onions Better
Chef Jacob loves that Gills Onions offers a whole, peeled option for onions in addition to diced.
“Whole, peeled onions are great because they cut down on labor and time and increase food safety,” said Chef Jacob.
When self-peeled onions are cut on boards, contamination can quickly occur because of fertilizers or bacteria in the soil or packing process. With Gills, Chef Jacob knows he’s getting products from better soil and can even order them already conveniently peeled to eliminate risks altogether.
“I think it starts with the soil at Gills,” said Chef Jacob. “I can get high-quality onions with low moisture, which last longer and come ready to use. If you want good food, you have to start with good onions.”
Looking for low-moisture onions that yield the highest quality results? We have whole-peeled and diced options that can set you up for success. Contact our sales department to learn more today.