What’s the difference between yellow and white onions?

DM asks:

I see these onions all over the place. Is there a difference in taste? Do you use one in certain dishes but not the other? Does one stink less than the other?

Chef replies: Actually, onions stink when they’re old or bruised. Using the freshest onions and a very sharp knife will help the odor. As for types, if a recipe doesn’t specify, stick with yellow. They’re a nice mild onion. Red onions are typically used in Spanish or French cuisine and will be called for specifically. Be sure not to pick up a vidalia onion by mistake-though sweet and wonderful on the side, it will change the dimensions of the recipe drastically! If it’s all new to you, stick with yellow onions.