Scientific Name: Allium cepa
Onions are often used in dishes world wide and these were used since 5000B.C.. During the ancient times, Egyptians considered onions as gods because of the ring patterns inside the onions which means eternity. In Greece, onions were used by gladiators to firm up their muscles by rubbing onions on their body. Ancient doctors also used onions as medicine to cure many ailments including prevention of diseases. Until this time, onions were not only used in culinary but also used as home made remedies as well.
Onions have three colors such as red, yellow and white. Other types of onions are: Canada Onion, Japanese Onion and Egyptian Onion.
Onions are good for the cardiovascular system. Eating a certain amount of onions a day will help the heart function well. It is also good for cancer prevention. Chinese doctors usually use onion extract for ointments and this are used to rub on areas where the cancer takes place. Eating onions also increases appetite and also encourages water intake. Since onions lived during ancient times where commercialized medicine did not exist yet, it was used often to treat wounds and other diseases as well. Onions contains Vitamins A, C, E, Iron and Calcium.
Onions are used in cold salads such as Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad. It also adds flavor to any dishes when sautéd. Onions can also be cooked as it is like Onion Soup. In China and Korea, onions were pickled with sugar and vinegar along with other spices then this is served with fried foods such as Fried Chicken. Onions can be dried up and ground to produce Onion Powder.
I love onions!
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