Onions had historic engagements in many points of our civilization. For instance, it played a surprising role in the Olympics. In the first century, the Greek physician Dioscorides advocated a diverse array of medicinal uses of onions. Before competitions, Greek athletes in the Olympic Games fortified themselves by eating pounds of onions and drinking pure onion juice. Back in Ancient Rome, Gladiators used onions as an ointment on their skin to reinforce their muscles.
In ancient Egypt, onions were considered sacred, an embodiment of eternity and an object of worship. Onions were buried with the pharaohs who believed that because onions prevent thirst, they were necessary on their journey to the afterworld. Artwork of onions also embellished the walls of the Egyptian royalties’ tombs. Egyptians believed that onion possesses magic powers and that it can ensure success in the afterlife. Onion was also used as currency along with garlic.
Onion was used as diuretic, to improve digestion, and to ensure good health of heart, eyes, and joints in the 6th century BC in India. However, in 2010, India experienced an “onion crisis” and the cost of onions is a significant political issue in India.
On the other hand, Christopher Columbus brought it to the Americas via Haiti back in 1493. New York City, which is today known by the moniker ‘Big Apple’ was once known as ‘Big Onion’.