SUBSCRIBE
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Health For Mzansi
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
Health For Mzansi

We’re not crying, you are! Why onions rule the kitchen

Onions are so worth the tears while slicing them and rightly so. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, (not to mention their culinary versatility) and unique flavour, it might be a good idea to grow your own. Experts share some top tips

by Vateka Halile
30th August 2023
in Grow It, Remedies
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
We're not crying, you are! Why onions rule the kitchen

Onion cultivation is one of the most profitable crops in Mzansi. Photo: Amazon

With their versatility and flavour that it adds to food, onions are the star ingredient of any kitchen. They add depth and character to any dish and will bring a tear to your eye. But an onion is more than just a vegetable, it’s a secret weapon for culinary success with health benefits as well.

Onions are packed with nutrients, they are a great source of antioxidants, and they can help to boost your immune system. They are truly a superfood that should be a staple in any kitchen. And to make life even easier, you can plant your own onions to enjoy.

We're not crying, you are! Why onions rule the kitchen
Onion is a major source of flavonoids. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

From dirt to dinner

According to horticultural scientist Marina Jordaan, based in Cradock in the Eastern Cape, growing onions is all about timing and location. Planting the right type of onion for your specific area, at the right time of year, is key to success.

We're not crying, you are! Why onions rule the kitchen
Marina Jordaan is a horticulturist based in the EC. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

She says onions require an ideal balance of daylight and temperature to form stunning bulbs. It’s a bit like a carefully choreographed dance, where different varieties have different needs.

“The amount of daylight needed for an onion plant to begin forming bulbs varies by variety,” Jordaan says.

With the right conditions, onions can bloom anywhere in South Africa. Short-day onions are best suited for the summer months, as they thrive in longer days and warmer weather. Intermediate onions, on the other hand, need cooler temperatures and shorter days of autumn and winter. Yellow onions, being short-day varieties, can be grown all year round in the country’s many climates, explains Jordaan.

The optimal time to plant onions

Jordaan says the yellow star/Chelsea onion is a variety of short-day onion, meaning it needs a specific number of daylight hours to produce bulbs. In South Africa, it is typically planted from February to March, to mature during the warm summer months.

It prefers loamy soil with good drainage and pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In the first few weeks, it is important to water the onions frequently to establish strong roots. After this establishment period, they should be watered at weekly intervals to produce a good yield.

To successfully grow onions, it’s important to understand the various stages of growth and their unique requirements, Jordaan explains.

The first stage is establishment when frequent watering is needed to encourage root growth. During the second stage, the bulbs are formed, and watering should be reduced to once per week. Finally, during the curing stage, watering is stopped completely for 2-3 weeks, she adds.

“It is very important to keep onions weed-free. Weeds greatly reduce yields and promote disease development.  Herbicides for the control of weeds in onions are available on the market.”

Marina Jordaan

She points out that, when 75% of the planting’s leaves have toppled, it’s time to harvest the onions. The bulbs should then be dried (cured). When drying onions, they should be stored in single rows, with the leaves of each onion providing shade for the next.

Healthy, happy, and flavourful!

Tshwane-based plant pathologist Sibongile Jiyane explains that yellow onions have a strong flavour due to their high sulphur and quercetin content. Quercetin is a type of flavanol found in other fruits and vegetables like berries, apples, and plums. Flavonols may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may provide health benefits.

Different types of yellow onions have varying nutritional values, but they are generally rich in nutrients.

“Flavanols have many potential benefits for human health, including reducing the risk of cancer, improving immune function, relieving urinary issues, reducing pain from bee stings, controlling blood sugar levels, and preventing tooth decay and mouth infections.”

Sibongile Jiyane

According to Jiyane, eating flavanol-rich fruits and vegetables is a cost-effective way to support overall health.

Caution and care

We're not crying, you are! Why onions rule the kitchen
Sibongile Jiyane is a plant pathologist based in Tshwane. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

While flavanol-rich plants and fruits may have many health benefits, they could be toxic if consumed in excess, warns Jiyane. In high doses, flavanols may induce mutation and interfere with hormone metabolism, which could have serious health consequences. Therefore, caution should be exercised when consuming flavanol-containing foods such as yellow onions.

“On the other hand, onions can be a powerful home remedy for the common colds and flu.”

Jiyane recommends that, if you’re suffering from the flu, a mixture of onion, water, honey, and thyme may help. Combine chopped yellow onion, a half cup of water, a half cup of honey, and a dash of thyme in a bowl or jug and let it sit overnight. The next day, drink the mixture to help clear your airways and boost your immune system.

ALSO READ: Food safety: Minimising the harm via hygiene

Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.

Tags: Food medicineNutrition
Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile grew up in rural areas of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. She was raised in a traditional family setting and found writing to be a source of comfort and escape. Vateka participated in an online citizen journalism course through Food For Mzansi, and her passion for health and medicine-related stories was born. Her dedication to community work and love for social justice and solidarity spaces is evident in her quality time with the community when she isn't working.

Related Articles

Immune booster
Recipes

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

by Andrea du Plessis
13th May 2025
Grow It

Time to revive Mzansi’s nutritious indigenous crops

by Qinisani Qwabe
7th May 2025

Stories

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites
Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics
Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy
Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen
No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches
How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth
Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing
Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers
No Result
View All Result

Latest

Immune booster
Recipes

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

by Andrea du Plessis
13th May 2025

Prioritise your well-being this winter. Getting your flu vaccine is the first line of defence, but if you need a...

Read moreDetails
Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

12th May 2025
Pregnancy

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

9th May 2025
Lung disease

Beyond the cure: Many TB survivors face lung disease

8th May 2025

Time to revive Mzansi’s nutritious indigenous crops

7th May 2025
Health For Mzansi

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824

News: hello@healthformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

Awards & Impact
Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy
Copyright

Somagwaza

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites

cropped-scott-webb-yekGLpc3vro-unsplash.jpeg

Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics

Dr Sinethemba Makanya

Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

Beyond the cure: Many TB survivors face lung disease

Time to revive Mzansi’s nutritious indigenous crops

Indigenous foods: Nature’s wisdom in every nourishing bite

error: Content is protected !!
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes

© 2021 Health For Mzansi | Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers