Onions

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The onion ranks in the top ten vegetables produced in the world. It is believed that onions originated in Asia and began to be cultivated in after 1630.

Onion is a seasonal plant that grows well in a wide range of temperatures. Young onion plants are highly resistant to cold. Onions can be produced by planting seeds or transplanting young onion plants. When planting onion seeds, 2 to 4 pounds of acre seeds are used. Planted rows should be 16 to 24 inches apart. In order to achieve high quality of ripe onions, cooler temperatures during early development and high temperatures during ripening are required.

Onion plants have shallow roots and relatively small, slender leaves that make them weak competitors to herbaceous plants. For this reason, chemical and mechanical methods of grass control are crucial for high yields.

During its growth, the onion goes through a process called "bulb formation" to produce the onion head. This process is influenced by the amount of daylight, not the age of the plant.

The required daylight depends on the variety of onion and can vary from 12 hours for species that ripen early and 15 hours for those with late ripening. Factors that affect the size of the onion head formed include early planting, plant space, soil moisture, grass control, and insect and pest damage.

Varieties of onions

Hybrid onion varieties are more recommended because they are more homogeneous, shaped and with higher yields than standard varieties. The choice of cultivar depends on two main factors: the type of market for which it is produced and the growing conditions.

Basically, two groups of onions are grown. The American group includes several varieties, the European or foreign group being composed mainly of Bermuda and Spanish varieties. Onion species vary in color, shape, taste, storage and time to reach maturity.

Yellow varieties make up about 75% of all types of onions. Most American varieties and the sweet Spanish variety require more daylight to form a bulb. Early harvesting or 80 to 100 days ripening of onion heads is recommended.

Another group of onions is green onions, which are available in bunches. This group is composed of varieties such as Japanese, Southern, Lisbon white and Spanish white.

Selection and storage of onions

Onion plants are ripe and ready to be harvested when their tops dry out and fall off. If onion heads are to be stored after harvest, they must be allowed to dry before harvest. However, onion heads should not be left in the ground until their tops are completely dry, as the bulb is likely to develop roots, which will reduce their market value. Splitting onion heads also reduces their market value, so it is undesirable.

Culinary use of onions

Fresh onions have many of the qualities of old onions, but it is good to eat quickly after buying. The most fragile and perishable are onion feathers. If we wait with the preparation of fresh onions, we must take care of the storage of green feathers first. They are washed and treated with water immediately before use. If we do not observe this, they will soften and loosen. Under no circumstances should we stew and steam onions, wrapping and storing them in plastic bags.

Frozen fresh onions are a wonderful addition to any dish and a reminder of fresh spring salads in winter. To do this, we must first wash the onion, then leave it to dry. It is not necessary to soak it with kitchen paper, it will flush out of the water on its own after a while. We do not peel the outermost layers of the onion, because they naturally protect it and will store it further when frozen. The same goes for the root system. Once the fresh onion has been washed and dried, cut it into as large pieces as possible and place it in a plastic freezer bag. We try not to treat the green peppers and keep them whole.

Tricks for cooking with onions

Onions are a great garnish for roast meat, if you peel it and lightly bake it in the oven, having previously sprinkled it with a little brown sugar. With onions you can prepare more liver with onions, onion stew or why not the famous French onion soup.

If you blanch an onion and then fry and stew it with chopped mushrooms, you will get the perfect garnish for beef.

Red onions can be roasted without peeling. It is important not to miss the moment and the delicate red zipper does not turn black.

If you fry a little onion with salt and add it to the bread dough, you will get a great taste.

Here are some wonderful recipes with onions.

Benefits of onions

Fresh onions protect against dental problems such as caries and tartar, while onion juice protects against gingivitis and is used to prevent periodontitis.

Onions are rich of vitamins (C, E, group B, D, PP, minerals (iron, calcium) and phytoncides, known for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties. Onions are also useful for burns, as it is a natural antiseptic and helps to heal burns that stop hurting in a few minutes, put a little water in finely chopped onions and apply the resulting mixture on the burned area.

The onion contains essential oils and organic acids, which play a significant role in digestion: increase appetite, increase the secretion of gastric juices and improve the absorption of ingested food.

Onions are useful and when removing insect bites. Rub with onion the bite of a mosquito, bee or wasp, it has not only soothing and restorative properties, but also has anti-inflammatory properties. After a few hours, the pain, itching and swelling will subside.

For healthier hair, and for hair growth, it is recommended to even wash your hair 1-2 times a week with a decoction of onion flakes. A decoction of a handful of onion peels, boiled in a glass of water for about 10 minutes, cures dandruff, and the hair acquires a straw-golden hue.

Onions help and in the removal of warts. To do this, mix finely chopped onions with crushed aspirin and add a little cold water. Apply the mixture and stick with tape. Perform the procedure at night and remove the patch in the morning. After several such procedures, your skin will be completely cleansed of warts.

If you work with liquid chemicals and strong-smelling paints, get onions. Cut the onion and place it in a glass of water next to the most fragrant chemicals. Onions will absorb odors. The room will smell of onions, but this is more beneficial for your body than inhaling the various fumes of chemicals.

If you have ants or other insects in the house, put a bowl of chopped onions in their path. They hate the smell of onions and will leave your home quickly.

French scientists have found that if a woman regularly eats onions and garlic, it significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. So ladies, think before you give up these gifts of nature just because you don't like their scent.

When stretching muscle ligaments, peel one onion, chop it finely and mix it with a little sugar. Pour part of the mixture on a piece of cloth until a thick layer is formed and put on the sore spot, bandage. Change the compress once a day.