Release of this oil during peeling brings tears to the eyes, but many cooks claim that tears can be avoided by peeling onions under running water. Onions vary in size, shape, colour, and pungency. Warmer climates produce onions with a milder, sweeter flavour than do other climates. Globe-shaped onions may be white, yellow, or red. They have strong flavour and are used chiefly for soups, stews, and other prepared dishes and for frying.
Bermuda onions are large and flat, with white or yellow colour and fairly mild taste.
They are often cooked and may be stuffed, roasted, or French-fried. They are also sliced and used raw in salads and sandwiches. Spanish onions are large, sweet, and juicy, with colour ranging from yellow to red. Their flavour is mild, and they are used raw and sliced for salads and sandwiches and as a garnish. Italian onions are flat, with red colour and mild flavour.