Onion Cipolla Tropea Rossa Tonda

Onion Cipolla Tropea Rossa Tonda  This is one of the most famous onions in Italy and is the central point of a food festival, the Onion Festival of Tropea in July. Medium long day type, mid season. Round, red/pink on outside, becomes white in the center.  It has a medium or large-sized bulb, with a round shape slightly crushed at the end. The external shell is characterized by a bright red shade, while the internal flesh is whitish, with a decisively sweet and juicy taste. If picked as baby, it is all white. 

The Onion Tropea tondas plants may be damaged by particularly moist soils or frequent irrigations, the vegetable must be kept in a sunny and dry environment, but not arid. The ideal sowing period goes from August to November and the harvest must be carried out from April to June.  Very tender and sweet and changes from white when young to red in maturity. Used for salads, pastes and sauces.  Very sweet. It stores very well in a shady cool room.   

Onion Tropea tonda is rich in fibers, mineral salts and prevents the cellular aging. Excellent against free radicals and ideal to prevent the cardiovascular diseases.    A favourite of Jamie Oliver who comments in Jamie at Home (Penguin) A calabrian classic!