Introduction: Also known as bulb onion or common onion, onion is native to Central Asia. In Egypt, onion is an ancient vegetable with a consumption history of over 5,000 years; in European and American countries, it is hailed as the "queen of vegetables." It is palatable and has prominent disease prevention and health care functions. Onion contains plant broad-spectrum bactericides and volatile allyl sulfide, which have antibacterial and bacteriostatic effects, and can repel pests. Therefore, it rarely suffers from diseases and pests, making it a relatively clean green food.
The onions produced in China are mainly of three types: First, red onions, which are widely planted and have the strongest pungent taste; second, yellow onions, which are sweet with a mild pungent taste and are popular in the international market; third, white onions, which have a white-green skin, excellent quality, and a milder taste.
Onion Omelette Wrap
How to Select Onions
Generally, the best onions have a complete bulb, a dry and smooth skin, firm flesh, and feel heavy in the hand. At the same time, attention should be paid to whether the onion has sprouted; sprouting indicates that the onion is no longer fresh.
Nutritional Value of Onions
Except for fat, onions contain protein, sugar, crude fiber, and various nutrients such as selenium, thiamine, and riboflavin. In addition, onions also contain prostaglandin A and amino acids. According to measurements, every 100 grams of onion contains 40 mg of calcium, 50 mg of phosphorus, 1.8 mg of iron, and 8 mg of vitamin C. It also contains carotene, vitamin B1, and niacin.
French Onion Soup
Medicinal Effects of Onions
(1). Onion is warm in nature and pungent in taste, with the effects of dispelling cold, strengthening the stomach, inducing sweating, removing phlegm, and sterilizing.
(2). Since both vitamin C and carotene are antioxidants, onion has an inhibitory effect on carcinogenic nitrates.
(3). Onion has a strong sterilizing function and can kill Staphylococcus aureus and diphtheria bacillus, helping to prevent and treat influenza. A famous Japanese medical professor believes that regular consumption of onions can stabilize blood pressure for a long time, reduce vascular fragility, and has a good protective effect on human arterial blood vessels.
(4). Epidemiological experts have observed that among people who frequently eat onions, even those with high fat and obesity, cholesterol levels are not excessively high, and their physique is strong and healthy.
Onion and Egg Pocket
How to Eat Onions
Onions can be eaten raw or cooked, used as a vegetable or a seasoning, and are suitable for fresh consumption or dehydration and drying. Onions are often used in soups, salads, bread, stews, quiches, cakes, and other foods, and can also be roasted, fried, smoked, steamed, or eaten raw. French onion soup, slowly simmered over a low flame, has become a famous soup dish in many countries, including the United States, and even French fried onion rings can be compared to French fried potatoes. Stir-frying onions with mutton in winter can nourish the body's vital energy, relax muscles and tendons, and has a good therapeutic effect for conditions such as physical weakness, blood stasis, and qi stagnation.
Fried Onion Rings
Precautions for Eating Onions
People with deficiency of the exterior and excessive sweating should avoid eating onions. Patients with eye diseases should also avoid eating onions. In addition, patients with digestive system ulcers and people with a tendency to accumulate gas in the stomach should not eat too many onions. Raw onions cannot be eaten with honey.
Beef and Onion Pancakes