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 | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 27 | Thursday |
| 2025 | June 27 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 27 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 27 | Sunday |
| 2028 | June 27 | Tuesday |
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.
Importance of National Onion Day
The day raises awareness about onions’ nutritional benefits, celebrates agricultural heritage, and recognizes the contributions of onion farmers to the food industry.
Related Holidays
- National Garlic Day
- National Agriculture Day
- National Farmers Day
- World Food Day