The common onion (Allium cepa) is a bulb-producing vegetable cultivated worldwide for its distinctive pungent flavor. Likely native to southwestern Asia, onions are now grown in temperate zones across the globe. U.S. farmers plant roughly 125,000 acres of onions each year, yielding about 6.75 billion pounds. Available year-round, domestic supplies include yellow, red, and white varieties ranging from less than one inch to over 4.5 inches in diameter. Onions are versatile and used in various culinary applications, adding flavor to stews, roasts, soups, salads, and baked goods. They can be enjoyed raw, grilled, sautéed, caramelized, baked, or roasted.
While there isn't a single manufacturer or creator, numerous farms and distributors supply onions to the market. Onions are categorized into spring/summer and fall/winter types, each with distinct traits. Spring/summer onions, available from March to August, have thin, light-colored skin and a mild to sweet flavor. Fall/winter onions, available from August to April, feature multiple layers of thick, darker-colored skin and range from mild to pungent in flavor. As of early February 2026, the average retail price for yellow onions in the United States ranges from $0.99 to $1.49 per pound. However, prices fluctuate based on factors like seasonality, regional availability, and market conditions. Prices can range from $0.69 to $2.99 per pound.
