Onion

Onion

It is commonly believed that onions provide relief in common cold, asthma, bacterial infections, respiratory problems, angina, cough, chronic asthma, and allergic bronchitis. Onion has also been associated with treatment of immune system, heart ailments, diabetes, cancer, earache, stomach aches, urinary disorders etc.

Onions provide a good source of polyphenol and flavonoid polyphenols. Among the flavonoids, onions provide quercetin. A wide variety of allyl sulfides are found in onion. A wide variety of sulfoxides are also found in onion. Onions are a very good source of biotin, manganese, vitamin B6, copper, vitamin C, dietary fiber, phosphorus, potassium, folate, and vitamin B1.

You can use onion to clean the BBQ and grill. You can also clean a burnt wok or sauce pan with onion. Onion can be used to deodorize the refrigerator or a newly painted room. It will soothe a bee sting. You can rub it as a mosquito repellent. People have used it to clean rusty knives. Some use it to remove warts and acnes.

You can peel onion without shedding tears if you chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before peeling. It also helps to keep the onion submerged in the water while peeling.

There are many varieties onions – white, red, yellow, shallots, pearl onions, spring onion, scallion etc. They impart different tastes and are used in different ways to get the full use of them in flavoring the food.

Scallions are one of the most versatile form of onion. They are long and thin. They go well with any type of dish. They are used cooked or raw. They impart good aroma in raw form.

Spring onions are very much like scallions and are used to substitute each other. They are very mild in flavor, but a little pungent in raw form.

Yellow onions are slightly sweet and are widely used in soups and stews. They give out a wonderful flavor and aroma when caramelized.

White onions are sweeter in flavor. They are available throughout the year and are most widely used. They are favored in salads, sandwiches and pizzas.

Yellow onion

Red onions are more flavorful than other onions. They are good for eating raw and in pickles and sauces. They are smaller in size and they cost more.

Shallots are the real onions. They are packed with flavors and are indispensable in Asian cuisine. It takes a lot of patience to peel them.

Shallots

Shallots

Leeks are like scallions. The leaves are hard and fibrous. They are not suitable for eating raw. When sauteed in a little oil they impart the onion flavor. They are favored for soups, stews and stir-fries.

Onions can be stored in a cool dry place for several days. Moisture and humidity spoil the onion. It is not necessary to refrigerate onion. If you store the onion in a refrigerator, you must use it as soon as you take it out of the fridge. After refrigeration if you leave it in room temperature it will spoil quickly.

There is onion in every home in the world.  It is mostly used as a seasoning. Onion sauteed in oil will enhance the taste of any dish. Onion goes well with almost all kinds of food ingredients.