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Allium cepa: The Common Onion

The onion (Allium cepa L.), also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a widely cultivated vegetable prized for its versatile culinary uses. It belongs to the lily family and is an essential ingredient in countless recipes worldwide.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium cepa L.
• Common Names: Onion, Bulb Onion, Common Onion
• Family: Lily family (Liliaceae - inferred from text mentioning it as a "prized member of the lily family")
• Etymology: The Latin name cepa means "onion." The Middle English derivations include onyon, union, and oinyon, originating from Anglo-Norman and Old French terms. The Latin root is ?ni?nem, accusative of ?ni? ("onion, large pearl").

Distribution and Habitat

Onions are native to Asia and are now cultivated globally. They thrive as a cold-season crop and can be successfully grown throughout most of temperate North America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Onions are underground bulbs that vary in shape and color, ranging from flattish brown to other variations.
• There are two main classifications: green onions (scallions) and dry onions (mature green onions).
• Onions are hardy and can be grown from sets, which can be planted without worry of frost damage.

Quirky Facts

• The text makes a reference to "Onion goggles" being a must-have in the kitchen.
• The onion has health benefits, and there's a reference that the Vidalia onion is "so sweet you can eat it like an apple."
• In some cases, if a NASCAR driver finishes in the top 10, people get a free "Bloomin' Onion".
• There is such a thing called the Onion Routing system to prevent eavesdropping.

Further Information

• Food Network's Food Terms Encyclopedia
• SweetOnions.org