Onions have been found to have medicinal qualities. They have the properties of medicine. Onions have healing and relieving qualities. They are said to prevent scurvy and are also used in the treatment of diarrhea, colds, intestinal parasites, gallstones, and rheumatism. The onion is not allowed in some diets because they increase appetite and body heat.

Reducing Tears

Onions can be very teary! The tears are caused by the bursting of the onion’s cells when it is cut. The cells release a colorless sulfurous acid, which is irritating to the eye. Here are some tips to help reduce the tears!

Wear something over your eyes such as goggles or eyeglasses.

Cut the onion under a cold stream of water , this dissolves the molecules causing the irritating tears.

Freeze the onion for l5 minutes before cutting, this reduces the enzyme effect by making it inactive.

Use a very sharp knife and keep your face at a distance by standing up while cutting may also reduce tearing.

Preparation

Remove the fibrous part of the onion base to make separation of the layers easier. A finely chopped onion will cook more quickly, but it will have less flavor. Onions cut to far in advance lose their juice. The countertops and wooden cutting boards absorb the juice while the onion is being cut.

Onion Odors

Onion breath can be freshened by chewing a sprig of parsley, a mint leaf or a few grains of coffee.

Onion odor on your hands can be treated by rubbing your hands with lemon juice or vinegar.

Storing

The length of time that an onion can be stored depends on the variety. Strong onions that do not have a high water content, such as the yellow onion, will keep longer. Onions should be stored hanging in a well ventilated dry, cool place. Do not store onions in the refrigerator, their odors will spread to other food. Onions should not be kept near potatoes. The onions absorb the moisture of the potatoes causing them to sprout and rot! Onions need to be used shortly after cutting, as they will lose their vitamins. Freezing onions, is possible but they will soften and lose some flavor. Before freezing onions, they should be peeled and chopped. Onions can be dried by cutting them in thin slices and placed on a cookie sheet for 2-3 days in the sun, then place in a l85 degree oven for 10 minutes. The dry onions must be kept in an air-tight container.

(pictures by Caroline)

Elephant Garlic

Yellow Onion

Red Onion

Leeks

Scallions

Pearl Onions