Fresh-Cut Onion: A Review on Processing, Health Benefits, and Shelf-Life

Abstract

The ready-to-eat produce market has grown rapidly because of the health benefits and convenience associated with these products. Onion is widely used as an ingredient in an extensive range of recipes from breakfast to dinner and in nearly every ethnic cuisine. However, cutting/chopping of onion is a nuisance to many consumers due to the lachrymatory properties of the volatiles generated that bring tears to eyes and leave a distinct odor on hands. As a result, there is now an increasing demand for fresh-cut, value-added, and ready-to-eat onion in households, as well as large-scale uses in retail, food service, and various food industries, mainly due to the end-use convenience. Despite these benefits, fresh-cut onion products present considerable challenges due to tissue damage, resulting in chemical and physiological reactions that limit product shelf-life. Intensive discoloration, microbial growth, softening, and off-odor are the typical deteriorations that need to be controlled through the application of suitable preservation methods. This article reviews the literature related to the fresh-cut onion, focusing on its constituents, nutritional and health benefits, production methods, quality changes throughout storage, and technologies available to increase product shelf-life.