Onion
Onion also
known as the bulb onion or common onion, is used as a vegetable and is the most widely cultivated. This genus also contains several other species variously referred to as onions and cultivated for food, such as the
Japanese bunching onion, the
Egyptian onion, and the
Canada onion.
The onion plant has a fan of hollow, bluish-green leaves and the bulb at the base of the plant begins to swell when a certain day-length is reached. In the autumn the foliage dies down and the outer layers of the bulb become dry and brittle. The crop is harvested and dried and the onions are ready for use or storage.
Onions are cultivated and used around the world. As a foodstuff they are usually served cooked, as a vegetable or part of a prepared savoury dish, but can also be eaten
raw or used to make
pickles or
chutneys. They are pungent when chopped and contain certain chemical substances which irritate the eyes. Onions contain phenolics and flavonoids that have potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, anticancer and antioxidant properties.
Onion contains 89%
water, 4%
sugar, 1%
protein, 2% fibre and 0.1%
fat.
They contain
vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid and numerous other nutrients in small amounts. They are low in fats and in
sodium, and with an energy value of 166kJ per 100 g serving, they can contribute their flavour to savoury dishes without raising caloric content appreciably.
Health benefits of onion:The phytochemicals in onions improve the working of
Vitamin C in the body, thus gifting you with improved immunity.
Onions contain chromium, which
assists in regulating blood sugar.
For centuries, onions have been used to
reduce inflammation and heal infections.
Raw onion encourages the production of good cholesterol (HDL), thus keeping your
heart healthy.
A powerful compound called quercetin in onions is known to play a significant role in
preventing cancer.
Got bitten by a honeybee? Apply onion juice on the area for
immediate relief from the pain and burning sensation.
Onions scavenge free radicals, thereby
reducing your risk of developing gastric ulcers.Those bright green tops of
green onions are rich in Vitamin A, so do use them often.
Read More at
Wikipedia.
Recipe Using Onion Click
Here Here and Here.Also see
Onion Goggles, Onion Saver.
