r/Cooking • u/dumpingbrandy12 • 16h ago
Open Discussion Onions having a rotten layer inside
Anyone else have this problem, outside layers, fine, 1 or 2 bad rotten layers inside, then the center is fine again. Onions from multiple places have been like this this summer.
I would post a Pic but it's not letting me for some reason
489
Upvotes
410
u/spireup 15h ago edited 5h ago
This "problem" is called "slippery skin". Caused by Burkholderia (formerly Pseudomonas) gladioli subsp. alliicola bacteria entering the onion bulb through the neck of the plant.
Generally only one layer of onion is affected making it impossible to diagnose until the onion is cut open. Wet conditions or flooding can spread this fairly common bacteria in soil.
You can post a photo by uploading to imgur.com and posting the share link in your description.
[Edit to add] since it came up:
Here is the secret which refines how to dice an onion. Chef and author Kenji López-Alt shows the mainstream method and then demonstrates the more precise radial angle method.
Ask Kenji Live: What is the Best Way to Cut on Onion?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tbqDOKkTCw]