It has been told that the first United States President, George Washington, said: “The onion is the most favorite food that grows.”
Long before George promoted onions, the Egyptians considered onions an object to be worshipped believing the onion symbolized eternity (circle within a circle anatomy of the onion). Many Pharaohs who died were buried with onions, both fresh onions as well as onions crafted in gold. Egyptians believe the strong onion scent (magical powers) would prompt the dead to breathe again because of onions’ strong antiseptic qualities.
Here’s some interesting Onion Trivia:
- Onions have been cultivated for at least 5,000 years and have even been credited with making hair grow on bald heads to giving valor to the troops of Alexander the Great.
- Onions gave Chicago its name. Onions were the vegetable that the Chippewa Indians found growing at the site of the modern-day city, Chicago. The Indians called them “she-gau-ga-winshe”.
- The name onion comes from the Latin, “unio” via the French “oignon” and the English “unyun.” Interestingly enough, the onion plant belongs to the same family as the narcissus. (copied from Produce Oasis website).
- Athletes in ancient Greece ate large quantities of onion because they believed it would lighten the balance of blood and increase their stamina. Roman gladiators used onion as a rub to help firm up their muscles.
Please, remember to keep onions away from your pets.
LONG LIVE THE ONION!
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