Figueres onion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 'Figueres onion' |
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The Figueres onion
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| Species | Allium cepa |
| Cultivar | 'Figueres' |
| Origin | Spain |
The Figueres onion is a special kind of onion grown in Catalonia, Spain. It's not a mix of different types, but a pure, natural bulb. This onion has a slightly flat shape, with a bright purple skin on the outside and a lighter color inside. People really like it because it tastes sweet, feels smooth, and has a soft texture. Each onion usually weighs around 200 grams. As its name suggests, this onion is very common in the Figueres and Empordà areas of Catalonia.
Did you know that Catalonia produces about 32,000 tonnes of onions every year? A huge 60% of these are the native Figueres variety!
Contents
What's Inside? (Nutritional Properties)
The Figueres onion is good for you! It has very little sodium and potassium, which can help your body get rid of extra water. It's also a good source of B vitamins, like folic acid, which are important for your health.
How It Grows (Cultivation)
This onion can handle cold weather, but it needs lots of sunshine to grow its big, round bulb. Farmers usually plant it between December and January, but sometimes in February if the weather is right.
It's important not to plant only onions in the same spot year after year. If you do, the onions might not grow as well, and they could get sick easily. That's why farmers often plant different crops in a field each year. This helps keep the soil healthy and stops diseases from spreading.
Another interesting thing about the Figueres onion is that it likes a dry environment. In Empordà, people have a saying: "Two days of Tramontana (a strong, dry wind) are better than fertilizing!" This means the dry wind helps the onions grow even more than adding plant food.
Cooking with It (Gastronomy)
One special way to enjoy the Figueres onion is to eat it raw, like in a salad. To get the best taste, some people say you shouldn't cut it with a knife. Instead, you can break it into pieces using other parts of your dish. Its smooth and crisp flavor makes it a favorite for cooking, especially fried, or simply eating fresh and uncooked.
Other Cool Stuff (Related Links)
See also
In Spanish: Cebolla de Figueras para niños
