Onion

Onion

Onions are vegetables that belong to the genus Allium and are known for their strong and pungent taste. They are widely used in cooking and are a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world.

Types of Onions

There are several types of onions, each with their unique flavor and appearance. Some common types of onions include:

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are the most commonly used onion variety in cooking. They have a strong, pungent flavor and a yellow-brown skin.

Onions

Red Onions

Red onions have a milder flavor than yellow onions and a deep purple-red skin. They are often used raw in salads and sandwiches.

White Onions

White onions have a very mild, sweet flavor and a white papery skin. They are often used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.

Sweet Onions

Sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions, have a very mild flavor and are often eaten raw in salads or used in sandwiches.

Onion rings

Uses

Onions are used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and sandwiches. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used as a flavoring ingredient in many recipes.

Health Benefits

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cultural Significance

Onions have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, from colds and flu to asthma and high blood pressure. In many cultures, onions are also seen as a symbol of protection and spiritual strength.

Trivia

Cutting onions releases a gas that can irritate the eyes and cause tears. The largest onion on record weighed over 18 pounds. In ancient Egypt, onions were considered to be a symbol of eternity.

Growing Onions

Farmers and gardeners can grow onions from seeds or from bulbs. If they plant seeds, they must later pull out most of the young plants so the rest can grow better. This is called 'thinning.' A different way to plant onions is to plant young bulbs. This is faster, but the onions that grow this way are weaker than the onions that started as seeds.

How Onions are Eaten

Onions can be eaten in various ways, such as:

• Fried sliced or chopped onions are often served on hot dogs.
• Onion rings are sliced, dipped in batter, and deep-fried to make the batter crisp and onion cooked soft.
• Pickled onions are eaten as a relish with chips or with salad.
• Raw onions are sliced (cut into flat layers) for hamburgers and sandwiches or chopped or minced finely in salads or as garnish on cooked foods.
• Cooked in soups, stews, and curries.
• Roasted whole alongside roasted meat.

Why Onions Make Eyes Water

When you cut an onion, you open some cells of the onion. Then, some chemicals react. When one chemical floats through the air and reaches your eyes, they sting. There are ways to keep the chemical away. You can:

• Cut the onion under water
• Keep the onion in the fridge and cut when it is cold
• Leave the root end on until last
• Use a sharper knife
• Have a fan blowing away from you on the onion
• Wear goggles, like for swimming or skiing

Gallery

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  Two colours of onion

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  Yellow Onions

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  Flower head of a yellow onion

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