Which Part of a Fresh Onion is the Edible Portion?

The edible portion of a fresh onion is mainly the fleshy, bulbous scales that form the underground modified stem called the onion bulb. This bulb is the part that people commonly eat in various forms such as raw, cooked, or processed in different dishes.

Bulb (Edible Part): The bulb, which is the edible part, is made up of fleshy, concentric layers known as fleshy leaf bases or scale leaves. These fleshy scales store nutrients and water. This section is rich in flavors, nutrients, and compounds that give onions their characteristic taste and smell.

Basal Plate (Stem Part): The basal plate is located at the bottom of the bulb. It acts as the point from which roots grow. Generally, this part is not eaten because it serves as the stem base rather than the edible portion. 

Roots: The roots grow from the basal plate and are not edible; they are usually discarded before consumption.

Shoot (Green Leaves or Stalks): The shoots or green leaves, also known as stalks, can be eaten when they are young, as seen in spring onions. However, in a mature onion, the bulb is the primary part consumed while the green stalks are less commonly used once the bulb has fully developed.

The reason the bulb is edible is that it serves as the storage organ for the plant’s food and water, allowing it to survive and grow. The bulb contains beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, sulfur compounds, vitamins, and minerals. Its layers are tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making them ideal for culinary uses.