Onions are considered vegetarian food.
Although the majority considers onions as a vegetable, some communities and individuals have different perspectives, as demonstrated by the following:
- Jainism: While generally vegetarian, many Jains abstain from consuming root vegetables like onions, potatoes, and carrots because they grow below the ground.
- Scientific Perspective: The reference mentions that scientists classify honey and lactose as non-vegetarian products, as they are derived from animals. However, onions are plants and therefore not considered non-vegetarian by this scientific perspective.
Here's a summarized view:
| Classification | Onion Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Generally | Vegetarian | Plant-based |
| Jainism | Avoided | Grows underground, considered a root vegetable that should be avoided |
| Scientific | Vegetarian | Plant-based |
Therefore, while dietary choices vary, onions are technically vegetarian because they are derived from plants.
