My Grandmother Always Sticks a Clove into an Onion: The Surprising Reason Why
There are certain traditions and practices that are passed down through generations, sometimes without much explanation. As children, we often observe our grandparents or older family members doing things that seem unusual or even quirky. One such tradition from my grandmother that always puzzled me was her habit of sticking whole cloves into an onion. As I watched her perform this seemingly odd task, I never questioned it — until one day, I found out the surprising reason why she did it, and I was absolutely amazed.
This seemingly simple practice of inserting cloves into an onion has been a time-honored method with several practical and health-related benefits. As I delved deeper into the reasons behind this custom, I was blown away by how powerful and effective it can be.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind why my grandmother sticks cloves into an onion, the surprising health benefits, and a step-by-step guide to recreate this practice yourself.
The Tradition of Sticking Cloves into an Onion: Unveiling the Mystery
At first glance, the practice of sticking cloves into an onion may seem like an old-fashioned kitchen trick. But it turns out that this simple act has deep roots in both culinary and medicinal practices.
The Ingredients: What You Need
A Whole Onion: Preferably one with a sturdy outer layer, like a yellow or red onion. The onion should be fresh and firm, as it will hold the cloves better.
Whole Cloves: These are small, dried flower buds from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). Whole cloves are often used in cooking, especially in spiced dishes, and they have a sharp, aromatic scent.
Why It Works: The Surprising Benefits
1. Natural Air Freshener
One of the main reasons my grandmother stuck cloves into onions was to keep the air in her home fresh. Onions have a natural ability to absorb odors from the environment. By adding cloves, which have a strong, spicy fragrance, you create a natural air freshener. The combination of the onion’s odor-absorbing properties and the aromatic scent of cloves helps neutralize unpleasant smells in the home.
