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HOW TO AVOID CRYING

Biochemists have spent years studying why onions make us cry. To date, they’ve determined that once an onion cell is pierced, a series of rapid chemical reactions take place. The reactions release sulfur, which irritates our eyes.

To help stop tears, chill an onion 30 minutes before peeling.  Start cutting the onion from the neck first and use a stainless steel knife (not iron). The onion will be stronger flavored at the root end. Cut onions can be placed in sealable plastic bags and kept in the refrigerator for several days.

Following are a couple of informational videos about onions:

How to cut an Onion
 

Why an Onion makes you cry

DID YOU KNOW?

Need to remove a sliver?   Put a slice of onion on the gauze-padded part of a bandage.  Leave it on overnight and the onion will draw the sliver to the surface, so you can more easily remove it.

Yellow and Red Onions contain an antioxidant that is associated with beneficial effects on human diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Onions were an important part of life in Ancient Egypt.  So much so, that leaders took an oath of office with their right hand on an onion.

AREA FACTS

Over 25% of fresh bulb onions consumed in the United States comes from the Snake River Valley of Southwestern Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon.

The combined area of Southwestern Idaho and Malheur County is the largest onion growing area in the United States.  Each year, approximately 21,000 acres are planted and 24,000 truckloads are shipped out of the region.

Yellow, white and red onions are grown in this region.  Approximately 80% of onions grown are “Spanish Sweet” yellow onions.

The Idaho Eastern Oregon Onion Committee slogan for the regions onions is “Sweet With Heat” which means our onions are sweeter when cooked.
 

  TIPS FOR HOME STORAGE

  DO NOT store whole onions in plastic bags. The lack of air circulation reduces storage life.

  A basket or mesh bag provides good air circulation and works well for onion storage.

  DO NOT store onions with potatoes or other produce items that release moisture.

  Onions that are already cut will keep for several days if sealed in plastic bags and refrigerated.

  Chopped or diced onions can be frozen for future preparation in cooked dishes.

  Under proper conditions (Dry and Cool), whole storage onions can last up to four weeks at home.
 

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