Onions come in all shapes and sizes, not to mention a variety of colors. Their textures and flavors can be quite different. Different types of onions can’t necessarily be substituted for one another.

So how do you know which onions are best for which dishes? From French onion soup to succotash, the onion varietal you use does matter.

To help get your onions in order, we’ve created an “onion glossary,” explaining the differences among green onions (scallions), leeks, pearl onions, red onions, shallots, sweet onions, yellow onions and others.

Know your onions! Head for the onions.

Find more of our favorite vegetables and recipes in our Vegetable Section.