Onion
The onion (*Allium cepa*) is a cultivated plant grown mainly for its edible bulb, which is widely used as a flavouring vegetable.
The onion (Allium cepa) is a cultivated plant grown mainly for its edible bulb, which is widely used as a flavouring vegetable. It is a biennial plant in the amaryllis family that is usually grown as an annual and is cultivated around the world, especially in temperate regions.
Description
The onion is a bulb-forming plant with hollow leaves and a short stem at the base of the bulb. Its edible bulb is made of concentric fleshy leaf bases and is valued for its pungent flavour.
Cultivation and distribution
Onions have been cultivated for thousands of years and are grown globally today. Sources identify southwestern or central Asia and Persia as likely origins, with later spread into many regions and large-scale production in countries such as China, India, and the United States.
Uses
The bulb is the most commonly eaten part, but the stems and leaves are also edible. Onions are used raw, cooked, dried, dehydrated, boiled, or pickled, and they are a major flavouring ingredient in many cuisines.
In short
- One of the most widely cultivated species in the genus Allium.
- Grown primarily for its edible bulb.
- Usually grown as an annual crop despite being naturally biennial.
- Likely native to southwestern Asia and now grown worldwide.
Onions are a common cool-season vegetable grown in Canadian gardens and agriculture, and they are widely used in Canadian cooking.
Quick questions
What is the scientific name of the onion?
What family does the onion belong to?
Which part of the onion is eaten?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/OnionSupports: Scientific name, genus, and status as a widely cultivated Allium species.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/onion-plantSupports: Description, family, likely native range, cultivation, and culinary uses.
- Penn State PlantVillage — https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/onion/infosSupports: Edible bulb, leaves and stems, and common uses.
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/onion/276190Supports: Plant description, edible bulb, origin, and production regions.
- New Mexico State University — https://onion.nmsu.edu/resources/facts.htmlSupports: Origin area, cultivation history, and family-related facts.
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources — https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2010-09/52157.pdfSupports: Onions as a cool-season biennial plant usually grown as an annual.
- University of Connecticut — https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/onions/Supports: Genus relationships, cultivation, and long history of cultivation.
- North Carolina State University — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/allium-cepa/Supports: Family placement, edible bulbs and tops, and origin notes.