Onions

Onions have been grown the world over for 5,000 years. In fact, they may be one of the earliest cultivated crops. Onions grow in a variety of soils and climates. They also prevent thirst and are easily dried for later consumption, making them ideal foods in times of scarcity. The Chinese were growing onions in their gardens 5,000 years ago, while Egyptians were cultivating them as far back as 3500 B.C.

Egyptians worshipped onions, believing that its spherical shape and concentric rings symbolized eternal life. Pharoahs were burried with onions in their tombs and painted on the walls of their pyramids.

Source: Harris Ranch

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Fun FactsFace of a FarmerSeasonNutritionStatisticsHelpful Links
Onion
Onion
Onion
Onion

Face of a Farmer

Harris Fresh

J.A. Harris and his wife, Kate, arrived in California’s Imperial Valley in 1916 to start one of California’s first cotton gins and cotton seed mills. They later moved to the San Joaquin Valley and began farming there. In 1937, their only son, Jack, and his wife Teresa, began what is now known as Harris Ranch...

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Fun Facts

  • Onions are low in calories yet add abundant flavor to a wide variety of foods. With only 30 calories per serving, onions are sodium, fat, and cholesterol free, and provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and other key nutrients.
  • Evidence suggests that onions may be effective against the common cold, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other diseases. They contain anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol, anticancer, and antioxidant components such as quercetin.
  • In many parts of the undeveloped world, onions are used to heal blisters and boils. In the United States, products that contain onion extract (such as Mederma) are used in the treatment of topical scars.
  • Onions are available in white, yellow and red varieties.
  • For more onion trivia, click here!



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    • Season, Ripeness and Storage
    Seasonality Chart
    State Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Arizona                        
    California                        
    In-Season  

    Season

    Onions are grown year-round in California and from March through September.

    Ripeness

    Choose onions that are firm and dry with bright, smooth outer skins.

    Storage

    Store whole onions in a cool, dark, well ventilated place for use within 4 weeks.

    Refrigerate cut onions in a tightly sealed container for use within 2-3 days.



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    Nutrition
    Nutrition Facts
    Serving Size: 1/2 cup chopped
    Amount Per Serving  
    Calories: 32
      % Daily Value*
    Total Fat: 0.08g 0%
    Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
    Sodium: 3mg 0.13%
    Total Carbohydrate: 7.47g 2.49%
         Dietary Fiber: 1.4 0% 
         Sugars: 3.39g  
    Protein: 0.88g  
    Vitamin A 0.04% Vitamin C 9.83%
    Calcium 1.8% Iron 0.94%
    *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

    Source: USDA National Nutrient Database


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    Statistics
    County Value
    Fresno 233,877,000
    Imperial 34,178,000
    Los Angeles 28,866,000
    Monterey 27,893,000
    Kern 14,975,000
    San Benito 14,275,000
    Ventura 4,927,000
    Siskiyou 4,011,975
    Modoc 3,675,375
    Santa Clara 2,893,000
    Riverside 2,105,000
    Contra Costa 110,000
    Orange 58,402
    Total 371,844,752
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    Helpful Links
  • National Onion Association
  • Fruit & Veggies More Matters

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