National Onion Day celebrates the humble onion, one of the world’s oldest cultivated vegetables, and its significant contribution to global cuisine and health. This special day honors both the vegetable itself and the hardworking farmers who grow it.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 27 annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Agricultural Observance
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalOnionDay
- When was it founded?: 2019
- Who founded it?: National Onion Association (NOA)
History of National Onion Day
The day commemorates the incorporation of the National Onion Association on June 27, 1913, in Ohio. The organization was established to protect the interests of America’s onion growers and today represents over 500 onion producers, shippers, packers, and suppliers across the United States.
Timeline
- 2500 BCE: First documented onion gardens in Sumerian texts
- Ancient Egypt: Onions used in burial rituals as symbols of eternity
- 1913: National Onion Association incorporated
- 2019: First official National Onion Day celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 27 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 27 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 27 | Sunday |
| 2028 | June 27 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | June 27 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | June 27 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by cooking special onion-based recipes, sharing cooking tips on social media, and learning about onion cultivation. Many restaurants offer special onion-themed dishes on this day.
Fun Facts About Onions
- New York was once known as “The Big Onion”
- Onions have been cultivated for at least 5,000 years
- They’re rich in prebiotics and boost immunity
- The tear-causing compound is called syn-propanethial-S-oxide
Quiz
- When was the National Onion Association founded?
- What ancient civilization used onions in burial rituals?
- How many members does the NOA represent today?
-(Answers: 1913, Ancient Egyptians, Over 500 members)
FAQs
Q: Why do onions make us cry?
A: They release a compound that forms sulfuric acid when exposed to air.
Q: Are onions healthy?
A: Yes, they’re low in calories and high in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Q: Is an onion a vegetable or a fruit?
A: Onions are classified as vegetables based on the edible part of the plant. They are bulbs, which places them in the vegetable category, unlike fruits which develop from the flower of a plant.
Q: Which country is the largest onion exporter?
A: While China is the top onion producer, the Netherlands is the largest onion exporter according to recent data.
Q: Do onions have medicinal properties?
A: Yes, onions have been valued for their medicinal properties throughout history. They possess anti-inflammatory properties, can help relieve joint pain, treat ear infections, act as natural antibiotics, and serve as excellent expectorants for loosening phlegm.
Importance of National Onion Day
National Onion Day serves multiple important purposes. It celebrates the nutritional benefits of onions, which are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and prebiotics that help boost immunity. The day also honors the economic significance of onion farming in the United States and recognizes the historical importance of this ancient vegetable. Additionally, it promotes culinary creativity and encourages people to explore the many ways onions can enhance the flavor of various dishes.
Related Holidays
- National Garlic Day
- National Agriculture Day
- National Farmers Day
- World Food Day