About Onion
Onion be the third largest crop grown in the United States, the second most consumed vegetable in the world, and the most sold vegetable in the world. On average, Americans eat 20 pounds of onions every year! They are #4 on the US fresh vegetable list, behind potatoes, tomatoes, and sweet corn. Onions are easy to cook, easy to store and easy to grow!
Onions are part of the genus Allium, which is part of the lily family. Allium cepa L., or garden onion, is the so-called onion bulb. But these onion bulbs do not grow completely underground; in fact, two-thirds of the onion grows above ground.
Onion’s Physical Description
The common onion has one or more leafless flower spikes that reach 75–180 cm (2.5–6 ft) tall, ending in a round cluster of small green flowers. Some flower clusters produce bulbs, small secondary bulbs that can be used to propagate new plants sexually. The areas on the sides of the leaves of the plant grow to form food bulbs underground.
Most commercial onions come from small black seeds of the plant, which are planted directly in the field, but onions can be grown from small bulbs or transplants. Onions are very hardy and can survive a variety of growing conditions. Bulbs vary in size, shape, color and texture, although hot climates produce onions with a milder and sweeter flavor than other climates. Onions are characterized by volatile oils that contain sulfur; the release of this oil when cleaning or cutting causes tears.
The weather Condition for growing onions
Although it is a tropical crop, onion cultivation can be done in hot, humid or tropical climates. A mild climate that is not too rainy or too cold or too hot is good for growing onions. However, it can withstand extreme weather conditions at a young age.
Short day onions that need 10 to 12 hours of long days grow in the plains while long day onions need 13 to 14 hours in length to grow in the north.
Onion crops require low temperature and short daylight (photoperiod) for vegetative growth, while during bulb development and maturity they require high temperature and long days. Other requirements for growing onions
When Planting of Onion
Plant onions in the spring when the soil is thawing and temperatures are above 28 degrees Fahrenheit. A sunny location with loose soil and a neutral pH is best. Leave at least six inches between each plant, extending rows of onions about a foot to allow mature plants to spread.
Onion seeds are usually started indoors about six weeks before the outside soil temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you start with seedlings, plant them outside when the soil temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
It will be possible to plant in autumn and warm weather. Onions will remain dormant through the winter and continue to grow in water.
Health Advantages of Onion
Low risk of cancer
Many types of onions contain many chemicals that help fight cancer. Onion is one of the nutrients called quercetin, which is known to inhibit the activity or production of carcinogenic substances.
Diets rich in quercetin have been linked to a lower risk of developing lung cancer.
Reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
Onions contain organic sulfur compounds. These compounds are the reason why onions are sweet and strong and strong.
Organic sulfur compounds help lower cholesterol levels in your body and can help reduce blood clots, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. You should eat onions both raw and cooked to get the most sulfur compounds from them.
Onions help improve heart health
Onion is a source of flavonoids and thiosulfinates. What exactly do they do? Well, the flavonoids in onions help reduce bad cholesterol in your body and thiosulfinates are known to improve blood circulation, like blood thinners. As a result, the risk of heart attack and stroke is reduced several times.
It improves immunity
It’s all about prevention these days. The antioxidants in onions can also help you boost this. According to a study published in the journal Mediators of Inflammation, the chemicals in onions are so powerful that they help boost the immune system and have anti-cancer properties. Now that’s huge!
Facts About Onion
Earliest Cultivated Crops
Originating in Central Asia, the onion has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. However, our ancestors discovered and started eating wild onions long before that. Harvesting supports people in time, and the humble onion is a valuable food item because wild onions can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried.
produce and store for consumption when food is scarce.
Today, onions are a staple in traditional cuisine around the world. Onions are cooked as a side dish with vegetables, prepared as part of soups, stews and sauces, eaten plain or used in relishes, pickles and chutneys.
Shelf life depends on the type of onion
Spring and summer onions with soft and tender taste, with soft skin and high water content, have a short shelf life. Autumn and winter onions are usually skinier, darker in color and have less water: therefore, longer life. Onions usually provide a more spicy and aromatic taste. Onion flowers in a variety of soil conditions
Hardy, easy to grow, easy to transport and easy to store, onions are a great crop to add to the garden. Commercially, most onions are grown from small seeds that are planted in early spring. However, many home gardeners skip the growing season by growing onions from small bulbs or transplants. Contact your local extension office for helpful advice on when to plant different types of onions in your area.
There are short days, medium days and long days
Experienced onion growers report that the key to success is giving the plant enough time to produce a large, strong bulb. If you live in a cold climate, the best way to grow the sweetest onions is to plant bulbs or transplants in late summer or fall as they grow. grow and ripen in winter. Sweet onions are sweet and tasty without the pungent, slightly tart taste of winter onions. They are a delicious treat when sliced thinly and served with salads, sandwiches or your favorite burger.
