Small Onion

Baby onions, also known as “pearl onions” or “small onions,” are a smaller variety of onions (Allium cepa). They are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, which includes parts of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.

Onions in general have a long history of cultivation, with evidence suggesting that they were one of the earliest vegetables cultivated by humans, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Baby onions specifically, due to their size and sweetness, were likely developed over time through selective breeding for their mild flavor and convenient size.

While onions are now grown globally, the exact origin of the smaller varieties like baby onions is harder to pinpoint. However, they are commonly associated with European and Mediterranean cooking, where they are often used in pickling, stews, and garnishes.