Onions - an ancient vegetable culture. Since ancient times, people deified him. The use of onions everywhere. He dominates every kitchen in the world. This vegetable is a valuable honey plant and an indispensable preparation for cytological research. It was this vegetable that inspired the famous Italian storyteller to create a wonderful fairy tale “Chipollino”.
Application are all parts of the plant, down to the husk, and it says a lot. The unique, appetizing smell, burning spicy taste make it possible to recognize a vegetable even with a blindfold.
King of the vegetable state
Onions contain ascorbic acid, salts of iron, potassium and phosphorus, antioxidants and sugars, as well as iodine, sulfur and phosphorus.
This plant is so widely used in medicine and cosmetology that it is puzzling that it is still not classified as a medicinal one.
Onion is a godsend for people with weakened immune systems.
Bundles of onions are an indispensable attribute of the kitchen of a rich man and a man of modest wealth. Hygienists claim that the properties of this amazing vegetable make the air in the room almost sterile.
Onions are used as a separate dish and as a seasoning. This vegetable stimulates the appetite, improves the quality of food and its assimilation, it is combined with almost all food products.
Interest in it will never fade, although its properties and scope of application are rather well studied.
For what we love onions
The plant contains phytoncides. These are active volatile substances that are produced in the process of life activity, a factor of the plant’s natural immune defense. They are rich in onion and green leaves. Phytoncides stimulate motor and secretory activity of the human gastrointestinal tract, cardiac activity. They give the vegetable a characteristic sharp smell and taste. Phytoncides are also called natural antibiotics. They inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, pathogenic mold fungi, thereby purifying the air and the surfaces on which they find themselves.
These compounds also have an anthelmintic effect, help to overcome colds, speed up the healing processes of infected wounds, ulcers and trophic ulcers.
Essential oils are characteristic representatives of phytoncides. It is the essential oils that make up onions that irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose.
Volatile active substances exert their effects at a distance. When cutting onions begins their active selection, causing tearing.
Who undresses him ...
To protect your eyes, choose sweet varieties of onions. They are not so hot.
Since tearing is caused by volatile substances, there are two ways to protect the eyes and nose from their irritating effects.
The first method involves minimizing the formation of vapors of essential oils.
- The bulb begins to actively release phytoncides only when it is damaged, and at the beginning of your work their concentration in air is maximum. It is necessary to use a sharp knife and make cutting quickly.
- It is also advisable to pre-cool the instrument and the cleaned bulb by placing them in a refrigerator or under a stream of cold water for a while. During operation, the onion and knife should be periodically dipped into the water for the same purpose.
The second method is based on artificially reducing the concentration in the air of already released caustic substances. The methods of this reduction are simple and widely known. This use of exhaust or air ventilation. If they are not available, we suggest that when cutting a vegetable, lightly blow on it.
- Essential oils are flammable chemical compounds. To reduce their content in the surrounding air, you can, using the flame of a candle or a gas burner. Burning oil naturally reduces its concentration.
- Onion essential oils are non-toxic and have a wide range of biological activity. Because of this, they form compounds with table salt, which in this case acts as an absorbent. Sprinkle the onion and cutting board with salt. Some of the oils released will react with it. It will also lower the oil vapor content in the air and make your work a little easier.
Myths and Reality
Just amazed when you read some tips to protect yourself from tears. Apparently, slicing onions under water is a fascinating kitchen attraction.
It sounds funny to use swimming goggles. It seems that their use in cutting will amuse you and those around you and thereby reconcile with the reinforced concrete inevitability of this monotonous, unpleasant work.
Only very cheerful people can give advice to put half a peeled onion on their heads or to put onion peel on their ears. If you decide to follow this tip, do not forget to remove the noodles from there.
