This is probably a little known fact. Onions are reportedly her third most important vegetable in the world. The University of Missouri shares that Ulysses S. Grant sent a message to the War Department during the Civil War: “We won’t run an army without onions.” (bit.ly/49UagBK)

The name of this humble root vegetable comes from the Latin word meaning “one” or “unity” and refers to the concentric rings of the bulb. Originating over 5,000 years ago, human consumption of onions can be traced back to the Bronze Age. “The Egyptians revered the onion and thought its concentric rings symbolized eternal life.” Onion paintings are painted on the interior walls of pyramids and tombs. They often buried onions with their dead. (onion.nmsu.edu/history.html)

Ancient Greeks consumed onions to balance their blood and improve athletic performance. The Romans rubbed it on gladiators to tighten their muscles.

Onions have also traditionally been used to treat hair loss, colds, and coughs. Eating onions is now associated with “lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.”

Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, onions are also one of the richest sources of quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The long list of health benefits of consuming onions is quite impressive. Onions may also inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thin the blood, protect against cancer, improve gut health, and even protect bones. (nutritionletter.tufts.edu/general-nutrition/know-your-onions-peeling-powerful-nutrition-benefits)

Onions are relatively easy to grow in your home garden. You can use seeds, sets, or transplants. Colorado State University Extension shares that “growing onions from seeds is economical,” and onions grown from seeds do not produce flower stalks as often as transplanted onions. (shorturl.at/dilY5)

Onion seeds can be planted from mid-March to late April, depending on the variety. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. When the plants have 5 to 10 leaves, thin them to 3 to 4 inches apart. The removed onions can be used as green onions.

Onions have fairly shallow roots, so water them frequently. The bulbs may grow on the surface of the soil, and that’s okay. Stop watering when the onion leaves begin to fall to the ground, usually in August.

Once most of the leaves have fallen to the ground, pull the bulb and leave it in the ground for another week or two to harden. Once completely dry, cut off the top and store in a dark place.

If you avoid cooking with onions because cutting them makes you cry, try wearing swimming or ski goggles. I usually wear glasses, so that seems to help.

Ariana Kelly Rolsky has a master’s degree in horticulture and founded Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to providing horticultural education and therapy to the community. For more information, visit PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.