An introduction to onions...
The humble onion is found in every kitchen, but
its curative powers make it an important
medicinal plant too. Like garlic, it is a member
of the lily family. There can be no doubting the
power of the juices contained in onions; anyone
who has ever sliced one and shed a tear is only
too aware that they hold something special.
Quite apart from its medicinal properties the
onion is simply delicious. It forms the basis of so
many dishes - whether raw, sautéed, baked,
steamed or boiled, that it would be difficult to
imagine the cuisine of any country without it.
Ancient healing...
Onions were historically as a preventative
medicine during epidemics of cholera and the
plague. They were apparently eaten by Roman
emperor Nero as a cure for colds, and its
reputation has made onions a popular component
in the diets of many countries.
...The onion's revenge: The smell of onions can be
a problem, both on the hands and on the breath.
After chopping onions, try rinsing the hands with
cold water, rubbing them with salt, rinsing again
and then washing with soap and warm water. To
remove the smell from breath, eat a few sprigs of
parsley or an apple to help conceal the odour.
Nutritional highlights
More than just a tasty culinary plant, the onion
contains natural sugar, vitamins A, B6, C and E,
minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron and
dietry fibre . In addition, onions are a good
source of folic acid.
100g serving of onions contains
44 calories 1.4g fib
The power of raw...
The
reason
that the
onion is

so much
more
active in
its raw
state than
when
cooked, is
that it
contains a variety of organic sulphur compounds,
contained in a volatile oil, that provide the health
benefits. These are partly destroyed by heat.
When eaten raw, its juice can act as an irritant
and some people find it difficult to digest. Those
who are not tempted by the idea of eating raw
onions can follow simple cooking methods that
may make them more palatable. For people with
sensitive stomachs, this is a far suitable way to
enjoy the healthy benefits of onions. Onions
baked in their skins, in a similar way to baked
potatoes, are also delicious. This method of
cooking keeps all the goodness inside, but the
resulting flavour is milder and more aromatic
than that of raw onions.