What are onions?The onion also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the garlic, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.

Scientific Definition : Onion (Allium cepa L., from Latin cepa "onion"), herbaceous biennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), grown for its edible bulb. The onion is likely native to southwestern Asia.

Short History : The onion plant has been grown and selectively bred in cultivation for at least 7, 000 years. Ancient records of using onions span western and eastern Asia, the geographic origin of the onion is uncertain, with likely domestication worldwide. Food uses of onions date back thousands of years in China, Egypt and Persia

Nutritional Content of Onions : Each figure is based on a serving of 1 large onion (150 grams).

• Vitamin C – 11.1 milligrams. 19% RDA (recommended daily value).

• Manganese – 0.2 milligrams. 10% RDA.

• Fiber – 2.6 grams. 10% RDA.

• Vitamin B6 – 0.2 milligrams. 9% RDA.

• Folate – 28.5 micrograms. 7% RDA.

• Potassium – 219 milligrams. 6% RDA.

Other Nutrients: Two powerful antioxidants stand out above the rest:

• Quercetin - Onions are among the top dietary sources of quercetin
• Sulfur.

Health Benefits of Onions : Here are some of the common health benefits of onions.

• Better Oral Health —Chewing some raw onion for 2 or 3 minutes could kill most germs in the mouth.

• Prevents Colon Cancer — A particular plant-derived flavonoid in onions, called quercetin, boosts the immune system while preventing the development of tumors. 
•  Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Microbial Ingredients — Sulphides and thiosulfinates help to prevent illnesses such as E. coli, bacillus subtilis and salmonella.

• Detoxing – Two sulfur-containing amino acids – methionine and cystine – are great for removing heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium from the body

• Cardiovascular Improvement — Onions help to prevent the formation of blood clots, allowing blood to circulate smoothly. Without the clogs and clots in arteries, heart attack and heart disease risks drop.
• Osteoporosis – A compound in onions, GPCS, was able to decrease bone loss and helping to prevent osteoporosis.

• Lower Blood Sugar, Helps with Diabetes —The administration of allyl propyl disulphide (APDS), a volatile substance contained in onion caused a significant fall in the blood glucose levels and a significant rise in the serum insulin levels.

• Sinus Relief — Onion can help to loosen mucous, clearing the nasal passages and making breathing easier.

• Earache – Try cooking an union until soft by boiling it in water or heating it in a toaster oven, then place it on a cloth and then on your ear. Onions make up one option for home remedies for earaches.

• Bee Bites and Stings – This vegetable could even be used for bee bites and bee stings by applying chopped onion or onion juice to the area for immediate pain relief.

Other health benefits

• Preventing cancer
• Promoting oral health
• Lowering blood pressure (quercetin)
• Boosting heart, cardiovascular health
• Fighting inflammation
• Earaches
• Detoxing the body
• Aiding osteoporosis
• Promoting digestive health (fiber)
• Protecting against DNA damage
• Promoting a healthy pregnancy (folate, vitamin C)
• Boosting the immune system (vitamin C)
• Promoting beautiful skin (vitamin C)
• Preventing and treating respiratory issues (vitamin C)

Common Use : Most commonly it is used as vegetable/spices with other vegetables. Enjoy Onion Pakoda, French onion soup, onion jam, pickled onions, onion rings and onion bread in our collection dedicated to the humble but super delicious onion.

What is Garlic? A spice which is strong-smelling pungent-tasting bulb, used as a flavouring in cooking and in herbal medicine. Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family. It is closely related to onions, shallots and leeks. Each segment of a garlic bulb is called a clove. There are about 10–20 cloves in a single bulb.

Scientific Definition : Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.

Short History : Over 5, 000 years garlic has been used as food, medicine, an aphrodisiac, money, and magic potions. Garlic is believed to be a native of central Asia, South Asia or southwestern Siberia.  There is some debate over the origin of this herb. It is one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops.  Garlic lovers carried the pungent herb into Egypt, Pakistan, India and China.  The crusaders brought back garlic to Europe. Later Spanish, French, and Portuguese settlers introduced garlic into the Americas. It was known to ancient Egyptians, and has been used both as a food flavoring and as a traditional medicine. China produces some 80% of the world supply of garlic.

Nutritional Content of Garlic : Calorie for calorie, garlic is incredibly nutritious. This comes with 42 calories, 1.8 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs.

A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of garlic contains:

Manganese: 23% of the RDA

Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA

Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA

Selenium: 6% of the RDA

Fiber: 0.6 grams

Decent amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1

Health Benefits of Garlic

• Garlic Contains Compounds With Potent Medicinal Properties
• Garlic Is Highly Nutritious But Has Very Few Calories
• Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold
• The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure
• Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
• Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
• Garlic May Help You Live Longer
• Athletic Performance Might Be Improved With Garlic Supplements
• Eating Garlic May Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body
• Garlic May Improve Bone Health
• Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

Other health benefits

• The Blood Purifier
• Relief from that stubborn cold and flu
• Prevention of Heart Disease
• Anti-bacterial and Anti-parasitic
• Cancer Prevention
• Protects the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow down the depletion of collagen

Common Use : From stir fries and baked potato to grilled chicken and pasta, garlic makes just about everything taste better. Find over 1390 garlic recipes on Allrecipes.com. Enjoy roasted, grilled or baked or as spice in the curry.

What are potatoes?

The potato, from the perennial Solanum tuberosum, is the world’s fourth largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and maize. Potatoes are one of the most common and important food sources on the planet, and they contain a wealth of health benefits that make them all the more essential as a staple dietary item for much of the world’s population.

Scientific Definition : The term potato can refer to either the plant or the entire tuber, which is rather shapeless and ugly, in most varieties. Its scientific name is Solanum tuberosum,  and it is actually a member of the nightshade family. 

Short History : The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8, 000 BC to 5, 000 B.C. In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe.  Before the end of the sixteenth century, families of Basque sailors began to cultivate potatoes along the Biscay coast of northern Spain.  Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589 on the 40, 000 acres of land near Cork. It took nearly four decades for the potato to spread to the rest of Europe. These vegetables now dominate the world as the 4th largest food crop, and more than 1/3 of the world’s potatoes are actually now grown in China and India, where they represent an essential part of their cuisine, as well as the cuisine of many of their neighboring countries.

Main Ingredients :  The Nutrition Facts Label says it all.   Potatoes are:

• Nearly half your daily value of vitamin C
• A good source of potassium (more than a banana!)
• A good source of vitamin B6
• A good source of Fiber (8% in the skins),   magnesium and antioxidants
• It also contains Vitamin A and Vitamin P

Potato Facts

• Gluten free goodness
• Just 110 calories
• No fat, sodium or cholesterol
• More potassium than a banana
• Resistant starch

Health benefits : These health benefits include:

• Ability to improve digestion,
• Reduce cholesterol levels,
• Boost heart health,
• Protect from polyps,
• Prevent cancer, and
• Manage diabetes.
• Other health benefits
• They strengthen the immune system,
• Reduce signs of aging,
• Protect the skin,
• Increase circulation,
• Reduce blood pressure,
• Maintain fluid balance,
• Reduce insomnia, and
• Aid in eye care.

Common Use : Used as vegetable both in raw and cooked form. Choose from roasted, baked, fried, scalloped, mashed, and more.

The % Daily Value(DV) tells u how much a nutrient in a sering of food contributes to a daily diet.2000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

What is Tomato?

            A tomato is a nutrient-dense super food that offers benefit to a range of bodily systems. Its nutritional content supports healthful skin, weight loss, and heart health. Tomatoes are now the fourth most popular fresh-market vegetable behind potatoes, lettuce, and onions.

Scientific Definition

Tomatoes have had several scientific names over the years including Solanum lycopersicum and Lycopersicon esculentum belonging to Solanaceae family and Solanum Genus.

Short History

            Wild tomato plants originated in the Andean region of South America, which is today known as Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador. It is believed that tomatoes were first grown by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 A.D. The tomatoes that were grown at that time were very different in size and taste from the tomatoes that we know today Despite the popularity of tomatoes, it was only 200 years ago that they were thought to be poisonous in the United States (U.S.) This is likely to be because the plant belongs to the toxic nightshade family.

What are onions?The onion also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the garlic, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.

Scientific Definition : Onion (Allium cepa L., from Latin cepa "onion"), herbaceous biennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), grown for its edible bulb. The onion is likely native to southwestern Asia.

Short History : The onion plant has been grown and selectively bred in cultivation for at least 7, 000 years. Ancient records of using onions span western and eastern Asia, the geographic origin of the onion is uncertain, with likely domestication worldwide. Food uses of onions date back thousands of years in China, Egypt and Persia

Nutritional Content of Onions : Each figure is based on a serving of 1 large onion (150 grams).

• Vitamin C – 11.1 milligrams. 19% RDA (recommended daily value).

• Manganese – 0.2 milligrams. 10% RDA.

• Fiber – 2.6 grams. 10% RDA.

• Vitamin B6 – 0.2 milligrams. 9% RDA.

• Folate – 28.5 micrograms. 7% RDA.

• Potassium – 219 milligrams. 6% RDA.

Other Nutrients: Two powerful antioxidants stand out above the rest:

• Quercetin - Onions are among the top dietary sources of quercetin
• Sulfur.

Health Benefits of Onions : Here are some of the common health benefits of onions.

• Better Oral Health —Chewing some raw onion for 2 or 3 minutes could kill most germs in the mouth.

• Prevents Colon Cancer — A particular plant-derived flavonoid in onions, called quercetin, boosts the immune system while preventing the development of tumors. 
•  Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Microbial Ingredients — Sulphides and thiosulfinates help to prevent illnesses such as E. coli, bacillus subtilis and salmonella.

• Detoxing – Two sulfur-containing amino acids – methionine and cystine – are great for removing heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium from the body

• Cardiovascular Improvement — Onions help to prevent the formation of blood clots, allowing blood to circulate smoothly. Without the clogs and clots in arteries, heart attack and heart disease risks drop.
• Osteoporosis – A compound in onions, GPCS, was able to decrease bone loss and helping to prevent osteoporosis.

• Lower Blood Sugar, Helps with Diabetes —The administration of allyl propyl disulphide (APDS), a volatile substance contained in onion caused a significant fall in the blood glucose levels and a significant rise in the serum insulin levels.

• Sinus Relief — Onion can help to loosen mucous, clearing the nasal passages and making breathing easier.

• Earache – Try cooking an union until soft by boiling it in water or heating it in a toaster oven, then place it on a cloth and then on your ear. Onions make up one option for home remedies for earaches.

• Bee Bites and Stings – This vegetable could even be used for bee bites and bee stings by applying chopped onion or onion juice to the area for immediate pain relief.

Other health benefits

• Preventing cancer
• Promoting oral health
• Lowering blood pressure (quercetin)
• Boosting heart, cardiovascular health
• Fighting inflammation
• Earaches
• Detoxing the body
• Aiding osteoporosis
• Promoting digestive health (fiber)
• Protecting against DNA damage
• Promoting a healthy pregnancy (folate, vitamin C)
• Boosting the immune system (vitamin C)
• Promoting beautiful skin (vitamin C)
• Preventing and treating respiratory issues (vitamin C)

Common Use : Most commonly it is used as vegetable/spices with other vegetables. Enjoy Onion Pakoda, French onion soup, onion jam, pickled onions, onion rings and onion bread in our collection dedicated to the humble but super delicious onion.

What is Garlic? A spice which is strong-smelling pungent-tasting bulb, used as a flavouring in cooking and in herbal medicine. Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family. It is closely related to onions, shallots and leeks. Each segment of a garlic bulb is called a clove. There are about 10–20 cloves in a single bulb.

Scientific Definition : Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.

Short History : Over 5, 000 years garlic has been used as food, medicine, an aphrodisiac, money, and magic potions. Garlic is believed to be a native of central Asia, South Asia or southwestern Siberia.  There is some debate over the origin of this herb. It is one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops.  Garlic lovers carried the pungent herb into Egypt, Pakistan, India and China.  The crusaders brought back garlic to Europe. Later Spanish, French, and Portuguese settlers introduced garlic into the Americas. It was known to ancient Egyptians, and has been used both as a food flavoring and as a traditional medicine. China produces some 80% of the world supply of garlic.

Nutritional Content of Garlic : Calorie for calorie, garlic is incredibly nutritious. This comes with 42 calories, 1.8 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs.

A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of garlic contains:

Manganese: 23% of the RDA

Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA

Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA

Selenium: 6% of the RDA

Fiber: 0.6 grams

Decent amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1

Health Benefits of Garlic

• Garlic Contains Compounds With Potent Medicinal Properties
• Garlic Is Highly Nutritious But Has Very Few Calories
• Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold
• The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure
• Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
• Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
• Garlic May Help You Live Longer
• Athletic Performance Might Be Improved With Garlic Supplements
• Eating Garlic May Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body
• Garlic May Improve Bone Health
• Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

Other health benefits

• The Blood Purifier
• Relief from that stubborn cold and flu
• Prevention of Heart Disease
• Anti-bacterial and Anti-parasitic
• Cancer Prevention
• Protects the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow down the depletion of collagen

Common Use : From stir fries and baked potato to grilled chicken and pasta, garlic makes just about everything taste better. Find over 1390 garlic recipes on Allrecipes.com. Enjoy roasted, grilled or baked or as spice in the curry.

What are potatoes?

The potato, from the perennial Solanum tuberosum, is the world’s fourth largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and maize. Potatoes are one of the most common and important food sources on the planet, and they contain a wealth of health benefits that make them all the more essential as a staple dietary item for much of the world’s population.

Scientific Definition : The term potato can refer to either the plant or the entire tuber, which is rather shapeless and ugly, in most varieties. Its scientific name is Solanum tuberosum,  and it is actually a member of the nightshade family. 

Short History : The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8, 000 BC to 5, 000 B.C. In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe.  Before the end of the sixteenth century, families of Basque sailors began to cultivate potatoes along the Biscay coast of northern Spain.  Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589 on the 40, 000 acres of land near Cork. It took nearly four decades for the potato to spread to the rest of Europe. These vegetables now dominate the world as the 4th largest food crop, and more than 1/3 of the world’s potatoes are actually now grown in China and India, where they represent an essential part of their cuisine, as well as the cuisine of many of their neighboring countries.

Main Ingredients :  The Nutrition Facts Label says it all.   Potatoes are:

• Nearly half your daily value of vitamin C
• A good source of potassium (more than a banana!)
• A good source of vitamin B6
• A good source of Fiber (8% in the skins),   magnesium and antioxidants
• It also contains Vitamin A and Vitamin P

Potato Facts

• Gluten free goodness
• Just 110 calories
• No fat, sodium or cholesterol
• More potassium than a banana
• Resistant starch

Health benefits : These health benefits include:

• Ability to improve digestion,
• Reduce cholesterol levels,
• Boost heart health,
• Protect from polyps,
• Prevent cancer, and
• Manage diabetes.
• Other health benefits
• They strengthen the immune system,
• Reduce signs of aging,
• Protect the skin,
• Increase circulation,
• Reduce blood pressure,
• Maintain fluid balance,
• Reduce insomnia, and
• Aid in eye care.

Common Use : Used as vegetable both in raw and cooked form. Choose from roasted, baked, fried, scalloped, mashed, and more.

The % Daily Value(DV) tells u how much a nutrient in a sering of food contributes to a daily diet.2000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

What is Tomato?

            A tomato is a nutrient-dense super food that offers benefit to a range of bodily systems. Its nutritional content supports healthful skin, weight loss, and heart health. Tomatoes are now the fourth most popular fresh-market vegetable behind potatoes, lettuce, and onions.

Scientific Definition

Tomatoes have had several scientific names over the years including Solanum lycopersicum and Lycopersicon esculentum belonging to Solanaceae family and Solanum Genus.

Short History

            Wild tomato plants originated in the Andean region of South America, which is today known as Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador. It is believed that tomatoes were first grown by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 A.D. The tomatoes that were grown at that time were very different in size and taste from the tomatoes that we know today Despite the popularity of tomatoes, it was only 200 years ago that they were thought to be poisonous in the United States (U.S.) This is likely to be because the plant belongs to the toxic nightshade family.