Allium cepa, or common onion, contains sulfur compounds like allicin and allyl propyl disulfide, which are responsible for its strong odor and health benefits. It also contains flavonoids, such as quercetin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic is a species in the Allium (onion) family and is native to Central Asia and Northeastern Iran. It is a popular ingredient in cooking and has been used for thousands of years for its culinary and medicinal properties.
It was once classified in the lily family, like its Allium cousins, onions and garlic, but the Liliaceae have been split and the onion-like plants are now in the family Alliaceae and asparagus in the Asparagaceae.
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, andrakkyo. With a history of human use of over 7,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was known to Ancient Egyptians, and has been used for both culinary and medicinalpurposes.Origin and major types[edit source | editbeta]According to Zohary and Hopf, "A difficulty in the identification of its wild progenitor is the sterility of the cultivars", though it is thought to be descended from the species Allium longicuspis, which grows wild in central and southwestern Asia. Allium sativum grows in the wild in areas where it has become naturalized. The "wild garlic", "crow garlic", and "field garlic" of Britain are members of the species Allium ursinum, Allium vineale, and Allium oleraceum, respectively. In North America, Allium vineale(known as "wild garlic" or "crow garlic") and Allium canadense, known as "meadow garlic" or "wild garlic" and "wild onion", are common weeds in fields.One of the best-known "garlics", the so-called elephant garlic, is actually a wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum), and not a true garlic. Single clove garlic (also called pearl or solo garlic) originated in the Yunnan province of China.European garlic[edit source | editbeta]Flower head There are a number of garlics with Protected Geographical Status in Europe; these include:Aglio Rosso di Nubia (Red Garlic of Nubia) from Nubia-Paceco, Provincia di Trapani, Sicily, ItalyAglio Bianco Polesano from Veneto, Italy(PDO)Aglio di Voghiera from Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (PDO)Ail blanc de Lomagne from Lomagne in the Gascony area of France(PGI)Ail de la Drôme from Drôme in France (PGI)Ail rose de Lautrec a rose/pink garlic from Lautrec in France (PGI)Ajo Morado de las Pedroñeras a rose/pink garlic from Las Pedroñeras in Spain(PGI)
The poultice onion, Allium cepa, has been used to treat acne as it has mild exfoliating, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties due to the presence of thiols, or sulfur containing compounds. It contains flavonoids as well, which also impart anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it can be irritating to the skin, and the malodor has limited its use in lotions. However, scar medications such as Mederma and anti-dandruff lotions such as Vaipani do contain onion extract.
Burger King added onion rings to its value menu in 1998. The product has since been revamped and a specialized onion ring dipping sauce has been created.
Dried onion is onion that has been dehydrated to remove its moisture content. It is commonly used in cooking as a convenient alternative to fresh onion. Dried onion can be rehydrated by soaking it in water or added directly to dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, and seasoning blends to add flavor and aroma.
Only if they have been mishandled.
Extracts of red cedar have been shown to have antibacterial properties against common bacteria. Compounds with antifungal properties have also been isolated.
The oldest known cultivated vegetable is generally considered to be the onion (Allium cepa), which has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of its cultivation dating back to around 5000 BCE in ancient Egypt. Other ancient vegetables include garlic and peas, which also have long histories of cultivation. Archaeological findings suggest that these vegetables were integral to the diets of early civilizations, highlighting their importance in human agriculture.
The most popular cocktail garnished with an onion is the Gibson. Made with gin and dry vermouth, the Gibson is, in fact, just a dry martini cocktail where the usual lemon twist or olive has been replaced with a cocktail onion.
The publication known as The Onion was founded in the year 1988. They have released satirical internet videos in addition to their print stories since 2007.