Let’s Discuss About Onion

Do you know that onions are one of the oldest cultivated plants? Onions are vegetables and They are a part of the bulb family. It is made up of crisp and fleshy layers. You must have eaten onions either raw or cooked.

Onions are an important ingredient for many dishes and it is valued for their flavor. You must have seen your mother bring some onions from the supermarket but do you know that there are 27 different varieties of onions found across the world,  and some even weigh over 10 pounds? Now let us learn more about onions and where onions come from and how such a little vegetable makes us cry.

Different Varieties of Onions

Where Do Onions Come From?

Onion is a herb that belongs to the Lily family. It is also related to garlic, leeks, and chives. Its scientific name is Allium cepa.  Today onions are being cultivated all across the world but long before farming was invented, wild onions were a staple in the prehistoric diet. Many botanists, food historians, and archaeologists believe onions originated in central Asia. Other research also suggests onions were first grown in Iran and West Pakistan.

While their exact origin is a mystery, onions may be one of the earliest cultivated crops. It is found that onions in Chinese gardens are referenced in some of the oldest Vedic writing from India, as early as 5000 years ago. 

Onions are grown in mild climates all over the world but some of the top onion producers include China, India, the United States, and Turkey.

Onions have long hollow leaves that look like stalks. The bulb forms at the bottom of the stalks, just under the soil as onions are grown under the soil. Onion bulbs are of different sizes, shapes, colors, and flavors. They range from less than 1 inch to more than 4.5 inches. They may be of white, yellow, or red color. 

Why do Onions Make Us Cry?

You must have seen your mother cutting onions for a dish. I’m sure that after seeing that you would have immediately left the room because you must have known that onions will make you cry. Onions contain an oil that is rich in the mineral sulfur, on cutting this oil is released into the air. The oil mixes with the fluid in a person’s eyes and irritates the nerves around the eyes making the eyes tear.

So the next time when you have to cut an onion try washing them under running water before cutting them. The water washes off some of the sulfuric compounds that cause you to tear up. 

Onions are not just used in cooking but many more important users' letters have a glance at them.

Onion Cutting

Important Uses of Onion

Onions are also used as a medicine. Some cultures use them to get rid of coughs, fevers, and even animal bites.

Many people also use onions for their hair growth. Onions contain sulfur that boosts collagen production in the tissues and helps in the regrowth of hair. 

There are some more things to know about onions. They are also used to repel insects,  clean rusty knives and metal utensils, etc.

Summary

Onions are a part of the bulb family and it is valued for their flavor. There are 27 different varieties of onions found across the world, and some even weigh over 10 pounds. Other research also suggests onions were first grown in Iran and West Pakistan. Onions may be one of the earliest cultivated crops. The bulb forms at the bottom of the stalks Onion bulbs are of different sizes, shapes, colors, and flavors. Onions contain an oil that is rich in the mineral sulfur, on cutting this oil is released into the air.

Onions are also used as a medicine. Many people also use onions for their hair growth. Onions contain sulfur that boosts collagen production in the tissues and helps in the regrowth of hair.