Onions belong to the Allium family and contain certain compounds that when cooked, enhance the taste of dishes. 

They are used to add sweetness, as well as savory notes to dishes. They also provide dishes with texture and aroma.  

Onions are also diverse, as they come in different flavors, colors, shapes and sizes. 

Cipollini and pearl onions are both varieties of onions known for their small size and mild, sweet flavor. 

They are often used in cooking to add the subtle sweetness of onions to dishes. 

In this post, we highlight the differences between these varieties of onions. 

What are cipollini onions?

Cipollini onions are a variety of onions originating from Italy, and they are very popular in Mediterranean cuisine. 

Their bulbs are small sized, and a bit flattened at the poles 

These onions are typically about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and their color ranges from pale yellow to a rich, golden hue. 

Cipollini onions are firm and have a crisp bite when raw. When cooked, they become tender with a slightly sweet flavor.  

The taste is milder compared to regular onions, making them versatile for various culinary applications. 

Cipollini onions are also known for their unique aroma, which is sweet and fragrant. 

Due to their sweet flavor profile, they’re often preferred for roasting, caramelizing, or adding to dishes where a subtler onion flavor is desired.  

What are pearl onions?

Pearl onions are also known as button or baby onions. 

These small onions can be found in Europe and Asia.  

Pearl onions are between 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter and come in various colors, including white, yellow, and red.  

They are spherical in shape and have smooth, thin skin. 

The texture of pearl onions is firm and crisp when raw, with a milder flavor compared to larger onions.  

They become tender and sweet when cooked, making them a popular choice for pickling, roasting, or adding to stews and casseroles. 

Pearl onions have a subtle and sweet fragrance.  

Their small size and delicate flavor make them versatile in a variety of dishes, where they contribute a mild onion flavor, while allowing the flavor of the ingredients in the dish to shine. 

They are also used as a garnish or in dishes where a smaller, sweeter onion is preferred. 

Difference between cipollini and pearl onions 

Size and shape

The size and shape of these two onions can be used to tell them apart.

Cipollini onions are slightly larger compared to pearl onions are smaller. 

They are also flatter while pearl onions tend to have a more spherical shape. 

Flavor

These onions are known to provide a mild and caramelized flavor when cooked without overpowering the overall flavor profile.  

Although both varieties of onions are milder compared to the larger varieties, Cipollini onions are known for their sweeter taste, compared to pearl onions.