Flat Onion with Water Chestnut Shape

Flat Onion with Water Chestnut Shape

　　  Tianjin Specialty — Flat Onion with Water Chestnut Shape is an outstanding variety cultivated by Tianjin farmers and a renowned local product. Its tubular leaves grow up to 40 cm long, with 9–10 functional leaves on mature plants that are green and covered with a thick layer of wax. The bulbs are flat and round, measuring 4.5 cm in length and 7 cm in width, with each bulb weighing over 100 grams. The outer skin of the bulb is earthy yellow, and the flesh is pale yellow, with low moisture content, a strong spicy taste, good storability, and excellent quality. Its yield is slightly lower than that of the large-water-peach variety.

　　       Specialty Culture: There are many theories about the origin of onions, but most believe they originated in the highland regions of Central and Western Asia, specifically in Iran and Afghanistan in Western and Southwestern Asia. The history of onions dates back over 5,000 years. They were introduced to Egypt around 1000 BC, then spread to the Mediterranean region, arrived in the United States in the 16th century, reached Japan in the 17th century, and were introduced to China in the early 20th century. Onions are now widely cultivated across China, from north to south, with planting areas continuously expanding, making them one of the country’s main vegetable crops. China has become one of the world’s top four onion-producing countries (alongside India, the United States, and Japan). Major onion-growing regions in China include Shandong, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang.

　　       Specialty Benefits: Onions are highly nutritious and help relieve cold symptoms, as their bulbs and leaves contain a fatty volatile compound called propyl sulfide. Their pungent aroma stimulates the secretion of gastric, intestinal, and digestive fluids, enhancing appetite and aiding digestion. Onions contain no fat, and their essential oil includes a mixture of sulfur compounds that can help reduce cholesterol levels, making them useful in treating indigestion, loss of appetite, and food stagnation. Additionally, the spicy flavor of onions provides resistance to cold, helps fight influenza viruses, and offers strong antibacterial properties. Onions also have blood sugar-lowering effects.