Herbs and Spices Untitled Document

Onions

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Plant Description

Aromatic bulb: Onions (Allium cepa) . Many plants in the genus Allium are known by the common name "onion" but, used without qualifiers, it usually refers to Allium cepa. Allium cepa is also known as the garden onion or yellow onion. Allium is the onion genus, with about 1250 species, making it one of the largest plant genera in the world. Also known as the Globe onion or Bulb onion. In American it is often referred to as a Globe Onion.

Spanish onions: grown in warm climates are milder than those from cooler regions, consequently Spanish onions have a mild, sweet flavour. Their skins are a rich golden colour and they are one of the largest varieties available.

Season:
Onions do have a season that is from the end of September until the end of November when the hard frosts set in. In any case we unfortunately get some terrible onions here. Bitter and harsh they are grown for shipping and for storage – screw tasting good! If you have the opportunity grow your own, all that talk about how sweet onions can be is really true. A variety that grows well here is Stuttgart.
Bulb onion - Grown from seed (or onion sets), bulb onions range from the pungent varieties used for dried soups and onion powder to the mild and hearty sweet onions, such as the Vidalia from Georgia or Walla Walla from Washington that can be sliced and eaten on a sandwich instead of meat.

Uses in Cooking:

Onions are one of the oldest vegetables known to mankind and are found in a bewildering array of recipes and preparations, spanning almost the totality of the world's cultures. The common yellow onion is the backbone of the kitchen and as a flavoring agent is used in stocks, sauces and stews. It is popular as a vegetable on its own. (See possible substitutes for a list of other members of the Allium Family)

Onions are a staple food in India, and are therefore fundamental to Indian cooking. They are commonly used as a base for curries, or made into a paste and eaten as a main course or as a side dish.

Possible Substitutes:
Chives
Egyptian Onions
Leeks
Pearl Onions
Red Onions
Scallions
Shallots
White or Silver Onions

How it comes:

Onions usually come dried and are sold by the kilogram or the pound. There are many onion products available, frozen in every form, dried onion salt, chopped deep fried and prepared onion rings. Store onions in a dry, dark, cool, well-ventilated place; not in the refrigerator.

white or silver onions are less harsh.

Other Uses:

Wide-ranging claims have been made for the effectiveness of onions against conditions ranging from the common cold to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other diseases. They contain chemical compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol, anticancer, and antioxidant properties such as quercetin. However, it has not been demonstrated that increased consumption of onions is directly linked to health benefits.