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• The onion is a vegetable from the allium genus, a bulbed plant grouping. They are one of the most common vegetables used in salads, sandwiches, and grilled dishes. The chemical compounds found within most onion species lend it a sharp, sweet flavor that mixes well with many meats.

  There are around a dozen varieties of onion available and commonly used in cooking in North America, most popularly the shallot, Western Yellow, Walla Walla and Vidalia onion.

  Many people experience eye irritation when slicing onions. This is caused by the sulphenic acids that are released as enzymes break down amino acids during the slicing motions.

• Fast Facts

  1. Scientific name: Allium cepa
  2. Originated in Central Asia
  3. Main ingredient in French Onion Soup
  4. Used in almost every type of cooking to add flavor
  5. Green onions also known as scallions
  6. China is the world's largest producer of onions
  7. Ancient Egyptians believed that onions symbolized eternal life
  8. Pilgrims brought onions to North America on the Mayflower, though some varieties already existed

• Top 10 Onion Producers

  1. China
  2. India
  3. United States
  4. Turkey
  5. Pakistan
  6. Russia
  7. South Korea
  8. Japan
  9. Egypt
  10. Spain

• Related Mahalo Pages

  How to Chop Vegetables | How to Chop an Onion | Onion Rings | Onion Dip | Scallions | Shallots | Garlic | Salt | Potatoes | Tomatoes | French Onion Soup | Black Pepper | Chives | Beef Stroganoff | Gefilte Fish | Steak and Kidney Pie | Green Bean Casserole | Scalloped Potatoes | Stuffing | Stuffing Recipe | How to Make Potato Salad | How to Make French Onion Soup | How to Cook Roast Beef | How to Cook a Pork Roast | How to Roast Garlic | How to Get Rid of Garlic Breath | How to Make Onion Rings | How to Make a Blooming Onion | Onion Ring Recipes | How to Make Vegetable Soup | Leeks | Meatloaf

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