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What is an Onion?

Published in Vegetable 2 mins read

Is Onion a Veggie?

Yes, an onion is a vegetable.

Onions are vegetables belonging to the Allium genus, closely related to garlic, shallots, and leeks. They're a widely cultivated plant, and a staple in many cuisines worldwide. The average person consumes a significant amount of onions annually, using them in various forms – raw, cooked, pickled, or powdered. [Source: WebMD, Wikipedia]

Many recipes and websites specifically categorize onions as vegetables, appearing in dishes like French onion soup (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions exist), onion rings, and onion gravy. [Source: Love and Lemons, Food with Feeling, Kitchen Treaty, From My Bowl] Even when used in dips, onions are paired with other vegetables. [Source: Jenny Blogs]

Addressing Contrary Views

While generally accepted as a vegetable, some discussions online question this categorization. These discussions often stem from the belief that vegetables are inherently healthy, and onions, with their strong flavor, are perceived as the opposite. [Source: Reddit r/onionhate]. There are also occasional misunderstandings within certain cultural or religious contexts, where onions might be excluded from vegetarian diets despite their botanical classification. [Source: Reddit r/vegetarian].

However, these views don't change the botanical fact that onions are vegetables. The plant itself is a root vegetable from the Allium sativum family. [Source: Veggie Desserts]

Conclusion

Onions are undeniably vegetables. Their culinary versatility and common usage in diverse dishes further reinforce this classification.

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