Onion and Onion Products viz Onion dehydration, Onion and Garlic Powder, Onion Flakes, Onion Storage, Garlic and Onion Dehydration, Garlic Flakes and allied Products
It needs to be noted well that onion is an important fresh vegetable that is consumed across the globe. India ranks first in the production of onions after China. In India, onion is produced in the states of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka as well as Maharashtra. It needs to be well noted and understood that onion is the largest vegetable produced and consumed not just in India, but across the globe. It is added in almost all cuisines and culinary preparations. Onion grows in Asia and many other continents.
It needs to be well noted and understood that onion is exported in dehydrated form and also as onion pickle and canned onion. The free water that is present in onion is removed from vegetables so that the micro organisms do not reproduce and survive in it. It is to be noted that dehydrated onions store for about 10-15 years under storage conditions of dry as well as cool place. Once dehydration is done, onions have a shelf life of about 6-12 months on an average.
Onion and Garlic Powder is one of the byproduct of onion which is a nutritional powerhouse. This is said to be a good source of copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and folate. Almost all meals contain onion and garlic powder as an essential ingredient.
Another product of onion are Onion Flakes that are made of fresh onions that are chopped coarsely and then dehydrated. The flakes are known to lack pungency of fresh onions. These are known to have great aroma as well as flavor. Onion flakes can be a great substitution in various dishes for fresh onions.
It is advisable that onions are stored in a well-ventilated, cool and a dry area. The storage temperature need to be maintained at a temperature of 45-55 degrees. It is advisable not to wrap onions in plastic or store in plastic bags. It is to be well noted that a lack of air circulation will eventually reduce shelf life. It needs to be noted well that geothermal energy is used directly in food processing for dehydration of garlic and onions. It often takes about 3 to 9 hours for onions to be dehydrated depending upon the size of the pieces or the content of moisture in the onions. It is important to follow the instructions given on the dehydrator.
Garlic Flakes represent dehydrated and dried form of garlic which is sliced and minced into flakes previously. It is to be well noted that garlic is known by the scientific name – ‘Allium Sativum’. It is known that garlic used to be considered to be well known staples of galen culture and has vitamin B and C. It is better to consume fresh garlic and onion flakes as these have the best of nutrients which provide the best of health of living beings. The onion and garlic flakes are used in various recipes such as stews, soups, sauces, meat dishes, and much more. Thus, we have been able to cover up much details about onion and related products.