Onion specification
Size
A minimum of 25 mm for Low Yielding Varieties and between 40 mm and 90 mm for High Yielding Varieties.
Quality
- The onions must be dry, firm, clean and well developed.
- The shape of the bulb must be typical of the cultivar.
- The onions of a given variety must be of the same colour.
- Onions must be virtually free of loose outer skins.
- Leaves cut off may not be longer than 40 mm.
Onions should not:
- show signs of any decay, seed stems or sprout;
- display any insect damage or insect infestation;
- have thick necks or double bulbs, on the understanding that double bulbs covered by the same out skin are permissible;
- have sustained mechanical damage and other internal and external defect in quality including greening;
- have any roots longer than 20 mm, and
- contain any foreign matter.
Finally the AMB will only accept consignments with a maximum defect of 2% by weight, otherwise the consignment will be rejected.
Nutritional Values
Serving size: 1 medium onion (5.3 oz / 148 g)
Calories: 45 (Calories from Fat: 0)
Amount per serving (%DV*)
*Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Total fat: 0g (0%)
Total Carbohydrate: 11g (4%)
Dietary Fiber 3g (12%)
Sugars 9g
Cholesterol: 0mg (0%)
Sodium: 5mg (0%)
Potassium: 190mg (5%)
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: (0%)
Vitamin C: (20%)
Calcium: (4%)
Iron: (4%)
Health Benefits of Onions
1) Raw onion is known to lower the production of LDL (bad cholesterol) and keep your heart healthy.
2) The vitamin C (which remains intact while they are in the raw form) along with the phytochemicals present in onions helps build immunity.
3) Quercetin, a powerful compound found in onions, has been suggested to play a role in preventing cancer, especially stomach and colorectal cancers.
4) Chromium, also present in this root vegetable, may help regulate blood sugar.
5) A mixture of onion juice and honey (which helps make it less pungent) is said to be effective as a cure for fever, common cold, allergies, etc.
6) Keep a small piece of onion under the nostrils and inhale, to stop or slow down a nose bleed.
7) Folate in onions also helps with depression and aids sleep and appetite.
8) The vitamin C helps formation of collagen that is responsible for skin and hair health.
9) Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of onions have been proven. One study also suggested that freshly chopped raw onions have these anti-bacterial properties, not chopped onion which has been allowed to sit for a day or two.
10) Chewing raw onions improve our oral health (though your breath may stink). They help eliminate bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum issues.