Beneath the layer of an onion

Onion is widely use in any cuisine and its also has many roles in different ethnics. In ancient Egypt, it was a symbol of eternity where corpses often entombed with it. In ancient Greece athletes consume large amount of onion to increase stamina and strengthen muscles. It is also has medicinal values.

 

Aside from its antibiotic, anti-flammatory and anti-oxidant qualities, its also has health benefit where hight in vitamin C, sodium, fat and cholesterol free. However, it also has other benefits such as:

 

1. To polish metal

Metal like brass and copper; peel a few onions and blend finely. Using a clean rag, vigorously polish the metal item with onion mixture. Once an item has regained its shine, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry off with soft cloth.

 

2. To repel household & garden pests

a. slice an onion and put it in a couple of containers and place them strategic location.

b. finely chop the oinion, steep in in mineral oil (can get it from hardware stores) for at least 5 days. use just enough oil to cover the onion. Place the container in a well-ventilated area. After 5 days, sieve the misture and save the chopped onion for your compost bin. Add the oil to 1 cup of water and store in an empty spray bottle. Alway shake well before use.

c. roughly chop a large onion and 4 dried chillies. Add a peeled bulb of garlic, blend with little water into a fine paste. Mix the paste with 31/2 litres of hot water (not boiling). Cover and keep aside for 24 hours. Sieve the concoction and store in spray bottle.

 

3. To remove odor

Cut a peeled onion in half, put the pieces into a small bowl of water and simply place the bowl in the affected area/room overnight. For smaller spaces like cabinets, put the onion onto a saucer and place inside it.

 

4. To make home-made dyes

Onion skin can be used to make natural dyes for colouring eggs or clothing. Keep aside onion skin until you have collected a fair amount, put them in container of water and bring to boil. (ratio - 10 large onion + 2 litres water). Once the water has strted to boil, lower heat to a simmer for an hour, stirring repeatedly. Allow the concoction to cool before pouring through a sieve and store for later use.

** yellow skin generate brownish-orange dye

** red skin generate purplish hue.