National Onion Day
June 27
About National Onion Day
National Onion Day takes place on Saturday, 27 June 2026, celebrating one of the world’s oldest and most widely used vegetables. Established by the National Onion Association, the day recognises the flavour, nutrition, and culinary versatility of the humble onion, while honouring the growers and shippers who supply it.
How to Celebrate National Onion Day
The onion is a kitchen staple in almost every cuisine on earth, so there is no shortage of ways to mark its day. Here are some ideas to get involved:
- Cook a recipe that puts onions centre stage – Try French onion soup, caramelised onion tart, or a classic onion bhaji rather than relegating them to a background ingredient.
- Experiment with different varieties – Pick up red, white, yellow, sweet Vidalia, and shallots to taste the differences in sharpness and sweetness side by side.
- Master your knife skills – Learn to dice an onion quickly and evenly, a fundamental technique that improves almost every savoury dish you cook.
- Try caramelising onions slowly – Cooking onions low and slow for 30 to 45 minutes transforms them into a sweet, jammy condiment perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas.
- Beat the tears – Test whether chilling your onion, using a sharp knife, or cutting near running water genuinely reduces the eye-watering effect.
- Grow your own – Plant onion sets or spring onions in a pot or garden bed, an easy crop for beginners that rewards you for months.
- Support local growers – Visit a farmers’ market and buy onions directly from the people who grow them.
- Share your favourite recipe – Post your best onion dish online and tag friends to take part.
What is National Onion Day?
National Onion Day is an annual food awareness day dedicated to the onion, a member of the allium family alongside garlic, leeks, and chives. It celebrates both the culinary and nutritional value of onions and acknowledges the agricultural industry that produces them. The day was created by the National Onion Association, a body representing nearly 500 onion growers, shippers, packers, and associated members across the United States.
When is National Onion Day?
National Onion Day falls on 27 June every year. In 2026 that is a Saturday. The date is fixed and was chosen to mark the anniversary of the National Onion Association, which was incorporated on 27 June 1913.
The History of National Onion Day
Onions themselves have a history stretching back thousands of years. They are among the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of use going back roughly 5,000 years to the Middle East and South-West Asia. Because onions were less perishable than many other foods, easy to transport, and able to grow in a wide range of soils and climates, they became a dependable food source for early civilisations. The ancient Egyptians regarded the onion as a symbol of eternity, owing to its concentric rings, and onions have been found placed in the tombs of pharaohs. The Greeks and Romans valued them for their supposed medicinal properties.
The awareness day itself is a much more recent invention. The National Onion Association was incorporated in Ohio on 27 June 1913 to represent the interests of America’s onion industry. More than a century later, in 2019, the association partnered with National Day Calendar to establish National Onion Day on the anniversary of its founding. The registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the observance in June 2019, and it has been marked on 27 June each year since.
Since its launch, the day has grown into an opportunity for chefs, home cooks, food brands, and the onion industry to celebrate a vegetable that often goes unnoticed despite being one of the most-used ingredients in the world.
Fun Facts About National Onion Day
- Onions have been cultivated for around 5,000 years, making them one of the earliest crops grown by humans.
- Raw onion is roughly 90 percent water and contains only about 38 calories per 100 grams.
- Onions contain more than 25 different flavonoid antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
- The compound released when you cut an onion reacts with the moisture in your eyes, which is why chopping them makes you cry.
- The National Onion Association has represented America’s onion growers since 1913.
- Onions are linked in research to benefits for bone health, blood sugar regulation, and reduced cancer risk.
Why National Onion Day Matters
Beyond the fun of celebrating a beloved ingredient, the day shines a light on the agricultural community that grows onions and the nutritional value they bring to everyday diets. Onions are an affordable, long-lasting, and versatile food that forms the base of countless dishes across the globe. Recognising them is also a way of recognising the farmers whose work keeps kitchens stocked year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Onion Day?
National Onion Day is an annual celebration of the onion, recognising its flavour, nutrition, and the industry that grows it. It was created by the National Onion Association.
When is National Onion Day in 2026?
National Onion Day is on Saturday, 27 June 2026. The date is fixed each year.
Why is National Onion Day on 27 June?
The date marks the anniversary of the National Onion Association, which was incorporated on 27 June 1913.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best onion dishes on social media with #NationalOnionDay and #NationalOnionDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to cook something delicious!
Related Awareness Days
- National Cheese Day – Another food awareness day celebrating a kitchen staple loved around the world.
- Goat Cheese Day – A day for fans of artisan ingredients and pairing flavours.
- National Gazpacho Day – Celebrates a chilled soup in which onions play a key supporting role.
Links
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