Onions

The onion (Allium cepa) is also known as the 'garden onion' or 'bulb' onion and 'shallot'. Many plants in the genus Allium are known by the common name onion but, used without qualifiers, it usually refers to Allium cepa.

History Of Onions

Allium cepa is known only in cultivation, but related wild species occur in Central Asia. The most closely-related species include Allium Vavilovii and Allium Asarense. It is thought that bulbs from the onion family have been used as a food source for millennia. In Caananite Bronze Age settlements, traces of onion remains were found alongside fig and date stones dating back to 5000 BC. In ancient Greece, athletes ate large quantities of onion because it was believed that it would lighten the balance of blood. Roman gladiators were rubbed down with onion to firm up their muscles. In the Middle Ages onions were such an important food that people would pay their rent with onions and even give them as gifts.

Onions Nutrition Info

Onions are low in calories yet add abundant flavor to a wide variety of foods. With only 30 calories per serving, onions are sodium, fat, and cholesterol free, and provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and other key nutrients. Onions contain a variety of other naturally occurring chemicals known as organosulfur compounds that have been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Onions Health Benefits

Evidence suggests that onions may be effective against the common cold, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other diseases. They contain anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol, anticancer, and antioxidant components such as quercetin. The regular consumption of onions has, like garlic, been shown to lower high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, both of which help prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Storing Onions

The most important factors for proper onion storage are good air circulation, relative dryness and cool temperatures. Look for an appropriate area in your home that has these conditions. Store your onions in small quantities and make sure they are safe from freezing.

Onions Trivia

Eye irritation can be avoided by cutting onions under running water or submerged in a basin of water. Rinsing the onion and leaving it wet while chopping may also be effective. Another way to avoid irritation is by not cutting off the root of the onion, or by doing it last, as the root of the onion has a higher concentration of enzymes. The Ancient Egyptians worshipped the onion, believing that its spherical shape and concentric rings symbolized eternal life.

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