The onion, also called bulb onion, is a prominent member of the
allium family, which includes garlic, scallions and several wild
species. However, although Allium cepa has been cultivated for more than
7,000 years all over the globe, it is virtually unknown in the wild. In
fact, the ancestry of the common onion is a bit of a mystery.
This herb and vegetable has a long history of use in cooking by
virtually every world culture. It also has a reputation for warding off
evil spirits and ill health. In addition to lending “heat” and pungency
to foods, onion also provides vitamin C. folic acid, B vitamins and
several antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin.
