Lunchbox Envy 15: Onions
14 snips
May 25, 2025 Discover the surprising history of onions, from Viking warriors using them in medicine to their role as love charms in medieval folklore. Explore how capuchin monkeys go crazy for this versatile vegetable and the quirky cultural significance they hold in various cuisines. With humorous anecdotes about French stereotypes and playful cooking techniques, the conversation highlights the artistry behind onion preparation. Dive into a world where onions are not just ingredients, but also rich in cultural and historical tales!
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Onions Are Globally Ubiquitous
- Onions are nearly universal in cooking, grown and eaten in 175 countries, twice as many as wheat.
- Their hardiness allows them to grow in diverse climates, from tropical to Arctic tundra.
Onion Pungency Is Insecticide
- Onion's pungency and tearing effect is a natural insecticide to deter predators.
- Humans learned to cook onions to break down the pungency and make them edible.
Salt and Slow Cook Onions
- Salt onions at the start of cooking to draw out moisture and prevent burning.
- Cook onions for at least 8-10 minutes for softness, or 20+ minutes for caramelization.