Onion

vegetable · layered · cooking · allium family

Layers of flavor. Onions are made of papery layers that wrap around each other, kind of like a tiny edible planet. Each layer protects the tender layers inside, which is why you can peel them like you're unwrapping a present.

Grown everywhere. Onions are the most widely planted species in the entire Allium family, which means billions of people eat them. You can find onion farms on nearly every continent because they grow in so many different climates.

Makes you cry. When you cut an onion, it releases a stingy gas that makes your eyes water as a defense mechanism. The stronger the onion's flavor, the more likely it is to make you tear up in the kitchen.

Family of flavors. Garlic, leeks, shallots, scallions, and chives are all close relatives of the onion in the Allium family. They all share that special peppery, sharp taste that makes food more interesting.