HISTORY OF THE ONION
Onion (Allium cepa) cultivation has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years, encompassing various civilisations and regions. Onions are believed to have originated in central Asia, around what is now Iran and Pakistan. Wild onions were among the first plants to be cultivated by early human societies due to their hardiness and versatility. Archaeological evidence suggests that onions were cultivated as far back as 5 000 BCE in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). In ancient Egyptian culture, onions held great significance, and symbolised eternity due to their concentric rings and ability to regenerate from a single bulb. They were often placed in tombs as offerings to the dead. Onions were commonly consumed by the labourers who built the pyramids, and they were included in the diet of both the rich and the poor. As civilisations expanded and trade routes developed, onions spread to other regions. They were introduced to Europe by the Greeks and Romans, where they became a staple crop.
Onions were valued for their storage qualities, making
