|
Click to listen to this article
|
M&P Engineering sends emails to their contacts from time-to-time and they are always worth opening. In the latest, the company delves into the history of onions, from ancient times to modern:
Onions have a history as rich and varied as their culinary applications. Loved by many for their taste and versatility, onions have been a staple in culinary for thousands of years. But beyond their common presence in everyday meals, onions have a long past that stretches across civilizations and cultures.
The onion is one of the oldest cultivated plants. While the exact origin is uncertain, historians generally agree that onions likely originated in central Asia. Onions were ideal for early agricultural processes, as they were easy to grow, adaptable to different climates, and could be stored for long periods of time.
Perhaps one of the most significant historical associations with onions comes from ancient Egypt. Onions were highly respected by the Egyptians, not only for their nutritional value but also for their symbolic importance. The concentric layers of the onion, which seem to go on infinitely, were thought to represent eternal life.
Onions were just as important to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks prized onions for their medicinal properties, believing they could help fortify the body. In ancient Rome, onions were a staple food and medicine. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe, so did onions. Onions became a staple crop in Europe, often used in stews, porridges, and soups.
Today, onions are the foundation of global culinary, grown in nearly every part of the world and featured in countless recipes across different cultures. Whether sautéed, grilled, caramelized, or eaten raw, onions continue to add flavor and depth to dishes from every continent.
SOURCE: M&P ENGINEERING
