"The onion is sometimes facetiously called the Irishman's fruit and whether this be a good name or not, it will not likely ever be called lover's favorite."

Why So?

"Because of the odor of a volatile oil which it contains."

"I never understood how the smell of the onion gave such an offensive odor to the breath after eating it."

"It happens this way; the oil or flavoring matter of the onion is taken into the blood in the process of digestion, then escapes from the blood because of its volatile tendency just as soon as it is brought in contact with the air in the lungs, and the breath coming from the lungs is laden with the smell of the onion."

Is There Anyway To Overcome The Offensive Odor?

"Not entirely, though the fact that the oil is volatile a large portion of it escapes when the onions are cooked, as everyone knows that in cooking a kettle full of onions enough of the oil escapes to scent the atmosphere of the whole neighborhood."

How Should They Be Cooked?

"Like most of the vegetables we have just described, it contains a large amount of fiber and is much benefited by being chopped crosswise so that the stringy substance is well separated with the knife. There is another advantage in chopping the onions in this way, and that is, they cook more quickly and more of the pungent oil is dissipated."

How Long Does The Smell Of The Onions Remain In The System?

"That depends upon the quantity eaten and the condition of the individual. If a considerable amount is consumed and the person is more or less constipated, the onion breath will continue for at least 24 hours; otherwise not so long."

What About The Nutriment Of The Onion?

"The principal element in the onion is gum, with some starch and the average of several analyses shows about one part tissue forming substance to seven of heat producing, which is not a bad proportion. It also has some mineral matter."

Why Is It That Onions Disagree With People And That They Can Taste Them So Long After Eating Them?

"Two reasons. One is, that if onions are eaten raw the oil acts as an irritant to persons of delicate stomachs, just for the same reason that radishes and peppers do. Then there is another reason and that is a raw onion is rather difficult to dissolve and considering its pungency and its toughness, it is no wonder that people taste them for some hours after eating them."

"Then according to this, Doctor, the onion is not to be eaten in the raw state."

"It is not desirable that way. When cooked, it takes a high place as a vegetable. It is somewhat stimulating to. the system and supposed to be slightly laxative but not sufficiently so to deserve any special mention. Most people prefer cooked onions served with milk or cream."

"Garlick and leeks have similar properties to that of the onion. They have no especial value except as condiments to flavor other foods."

"The pumpkin is the largest of vegetable fruits cultivated in this country. It is said that the Indians cultivated the pumpkin with Indian Corn for centuries before the discovery of America."