The AOP Sweet Onion of the Cévennes is a true jewel of the French terroir 🌿. Harvested on the terraced slopes of the Cévennes, between 300 and 800 meters above sea level, it benefits from ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation. This bulb with white and sweet flesh, protected by a protected designation of origin ( official website ), is appreciated both raw and cooked, in salads, confits or stews. Sweet, melting and digestible, it seduces even those who do not usually like onions!
In this article, I will tell you its history, explain its particularities, and above all give you delicious ideas for cooking it every day. At the end, you will also find alternatives, such as the Roscoff Onion AOP , another star of the Breton terroir.
An onion like no other . The Cévennes Sweet Onion is the only French onion to benefit from a PDO. This recognition attests to a strong link between its terroir, its climate and the know-how of the producers. Its cultivation on terraces, called “faïsses”, testifies to demanding work: the small and steep plots require delicate manual harvesting. The result: an onion of great finesse, without bitterness, with an incomparable melting texture.
This vegetable, harvested between August and October, can be stored until the following spring under good conditions. It is distinguished by its slightly flattened shape, its thin, golden skin and, above all, its sweet flesh, which is both crunchy raw and tender when cooked.
What is the history of the Cévennes Sweet Onion?
Onion cultivation in the Cévennes dates back to the 18th century. At that time, Cévennes farmers, often mixed farmers, developed a variety of crops on their small terraces. Onions became popular there thanks to the richness of the schist soils and the contrasting climate, combining summer heat with cool nights.
Over the centuries, the sweet onion has become a true local identity. Its recognition as an AOC (Protected Designation of Origin) in 2003, then as an AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) in 2008, has helped protect this heritage and ensure production meets strict specifications.
What are its taste characteristics?
Unlike the classic yellow or red onion, the Sweet Onion of the Cévennes is distinguished by:
- A sweet taste , without spice, ideal for sensitive palates.
- A tender texture that melts in the mouth.
- Great versatility : delicious raw or cooked.
It is perfect in tomato salad, vegetable carpaccio or caramelized tarts. Slowly cooked, it develops an almost candied note that enhances white meats, fish and gratins.
How to cook it every day?
Some simple and tasty ideas:
- Fresh salad : finely chopped raw onions, tomatoes, olive oil and basil.
- Mild soup : a much lighter alternative to classic onion soup.
- Caramelized thin tart : puff pastry, Cévennes onions candied in butter and balsamic vinegar.
- Roasted side dish : thick slices baked with thyme and olive oil.
Also try a homemade confit, perfect to accompany foie gras or a cheese platter.
What are the differences with the Roscoff Onion?
The Roscoff Onion AOP , grown in Brittany, shares the AOP recognition but has differences:
- Roscoff: fuller-bodied taste, firm texture, pink color.
- Cévennes: sweet softness, melting texture, golden color.
Both are excellent but do not have the same culinary uses. Roscoff is ideal for spicing up, Cévennes for softening.
What nutritional benefits?
Sweet onions are low in calories (40 kcal/100 g), rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They are more digestible than regular onions because they contain fewer irritating sulfur compounds. They therefore contribute to a healthy and varied diet.
How to store it?
Store your onions in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, ideally hanging them in net bags. Avoid the refrigerator, which softens them and encourages sprouting. Properly stored, they can be kept for up to 6 months.
An exceptional terroir to discover
The AOP Sweet Onion of the Cévennes embodies the richness of the French terroir: a product that is delicious, digestible, and unique. Its demanding cultivation, sweet taste, and versatility make it a must-have for fall. Whether you enjoy it raw in a salad or candied in a gratin, it will surprise and delight your guests.
👉 Discover our selection on Neary: Sweet onions from the Cévennes AOP 1 kg or 6 kg pack for amateurs and restaurateurs.
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