Not Just a Cooking Ingredient
Onions are a versatile cooking ingredient used all over the world. In fact, they are so versatile that they can, and are, used in a variety of other ways besides cooking. Here are a few examples of how onions are used in other industries and sectors:
Cosmetics: Onions are high in sulphur compound which can improve skin texture. Because of this, onion extract is used in skincare and beauty products. Things like creams and shampoos can sometimes have traces of onion extract.
Pharmaceuticals: Their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make onions a popular ingredient in pharmaceuticals. Onions have been used to treat respiratory illnesses, coughs, colds, even other conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol.
Textiles: When used as natural dye for fabrics, onion skins can produce shades of yellow, orange, and brown.
Biofuel: Onions contain high volumes of carbohydrates, which are fermented to produce ethanol. Ethanol can be used as biofuel for vehicles or as a renewable energy source. While not widely used yet, it is a sustainable alternative to other fuels.
While they are so much more than just a cooking ingredient, and have a wide variety of uses, onions are best known for the vegetable they are, and used as such. In soups, salads, sides, snacks, you are likely to find onions in almost every meal.
SOURCE: M&P ENGINEERING
