No, onion powder is not made from cooked onions.
Onion powder is created by dehydrating raw onions and then grinding them into a fine powder. The drying process can involve air-drying, dehydration, or freeze-drying. This process removes moisture and concentrates the onion's flavor, resulting in a potent seasoning. Because the onions are dried raw, they retain a stronger, more pungent flavor compared to cooked onions.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Harvesting Onions: Fresh onions are harvested.
- Slicing and Preparing: The onions are typically sliced or chopped into smaller pieces to facilitate faster and more even drying.
- Drying: The onion pieces are dried using one of the methods mentioned above (air-drying, dehydration, or freeze-drying). This process significantly reduces the moisture content, preventing spoilage and concentrating the flavor.
- Grinding: Once the onions are thoroughly dried, they are ground into a fine powder using specialized equipment.
- Packaging: The resulting onion powder is packaged and ready for use as a seasoning.
In summary, onion powder is made from dried, raw onions, not cooked ones. This drying process is crucial for preserving the onions and creating a concentrated, shelf-stable seasoning.
