Onions, sprouting

Nishimura and coworkers57-59 studied the y-radiolysis of aqueous solutions of sulfoxide amino acids. Sulfoxide amino acids are the precursors of the flavors of onions (S-propyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide, S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide and S-(l-propenyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxide) and garlic (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide). In studies on sprout inhibition of onion by /-irradiation it was found that the characteristic flavor of onions became milder. In the y-radiolysis of an aqueous solution of S-propyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (PCSO)57,58 they identified as the main products alanine, cysteic acid, dipropyl disulfide and dipropyl sulfide. In the radiolysis of S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (ACSO) they found that the main products are S-allyl-L-cysteine, cysteic acid, cystine, allyl alcohol, propyl allyl sulfide and diallyl sulfide. The mechanisms of formation of the products were partly elucidated by the study of the radiolysis in the presence of N20 and Br- as eaq - and OH radicals scavengers, respectively. 

The herbs chives and garlic chives also belong to this family, as does the perennial Egyptian or tree onion, which produces aerial bulbs in place of flowers these may sprout and grow in situ. Flowers of leeks and garlic may also produce tiny bulbs in place of seed. 

The dose required to inhibit sprouting of onions, shallots, and garlics is 0.03-0.12 kGy. For good sprout control of tubers such as potatoes and yams, somewhat higher doses, 0.08-0.14 kGy, are required. Because of decreased wound-healing ability after irradiation, doses in excess of 0.15-0.2 kGy may induce increased microbial rot in storage [24]. 

The ICGFI [149] estimates that irradiation cost range from 10 to 15 per tonne for a low-dose application (e.g., inhibition of sprouting of potatoes or onions), and 100 to 250 per tonne for a high-dose application (e.g., to ensure hygienic quality of spices). These unit costs are considered to be competitive with alternative treatments. 

White and yellow strains of sweet Spanish onions have recently been irradiated by the Brookhaven group (D5). An 8,000-r. treatment was found to be completely effective in sprout suppression although there was no indication that any of the radiation treatment affected rotting, which proceeded at a normal rate. 

In the organic sector, the non-chemical approach also has effects on traits concerning product quality, such as long-term storability without chemical sprouting inhibitors for onions... 

An HPLC separation method with diode array detector and mass spectrometric (MS) detection equipped with atmospheric pressure ionization (API) was developed to determine flavone, flavonol, and flavanone in various vegetables, including green bean, broccoli, brussels sprouts, celery, kale, leek, onion, parsley, pepper (green, yellow, and red), and tomato (118). The flavonoids were analyzed as aglycones after acid hydrolysis. The extraction and acid hydrolysis conditions are based on previous work by Hertog et al. (119). Quercetin is the overall major flavonol, followed by kaempferol. The flavones, apigenin and luteolin, were found only in limited foods,... 

Other vegetables summer squash, pickles, turnips, beets, cucumbers, celery, olives, oils, brussels sprouts, iceberg lettuce, green peppers, mixed vegetables, asparagus, green beans, sauerkraut, and onions... 

In the early 1950 s, l,2-dihydro-3,6-pyridazinedione (maleic hydrazide) was first marketed to prevent the sprouting of onions in storage. Soon after, maleic hydrazide also was used to inhibit turf growth and prevent the sprouting of potatoes during storage. 

Radiation sterilization produces foods that are stable at room temperature and requires a dose of 20 to 70 kGy. At lower doses, longer shelf life may be obtained, especially with perishable foods such as fruits, fish, and shellfish. The destruction of Salmonella in poultry is an application for radiation treatment. This requires doses of 1 to 10 kGy. Radiation disinfestation of spices and cereals may replace chemical fumigants, which have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. Dose levels of 8 to 30 kGy would be required. Other possible applications of irradiation processing are inhibition of sprouting in potatoes and onions and delaying of the ripening of tropical fruits. 

Inhibition of sprouting 0.05-0.15 Potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger root... 

Control Cover seedlings with floating row cover sprinkle rows liberally with ground cayenne pepper, ginger, dill, or chili powder plant cull onions around the borders and down the rows of seedling onions to act as a trap crop pull and destroy cull trap crops 2 weeks after they sprout bury, burn, or destroy all unwanted onions at the end of harvest plant onion sets late to avoid the first generation of flies. 

Potassium deficiency (continued) brussels sprouts and, 48 cabbage and, 56 corn and, 80 onion and, 157 potato and, 191 sweet potato and, 221 tomato and, 230,379 Potato, 188-92... 

A coffeehouse setting with cheery walls and oddly shaped tables, Naked Earth serves complex food in a simple setting. For lunch, try their no-tuna sandwich - tofu, celery, onion, sesame seed, seaweed, and a mix of herbs and spices on your choice of bread. Someone s finally invented a well-textured tuna sandwich that doesn t taste fishy Another sandwich option is the sun-dried tomato hummus. Sandwiches are served with sprouts, lettuce, tomatoes and a side of homemade cole slaw made with red cabbage and tofu mayonnaise. They also offer a daily soup and salad special. On my visit, the lasagna looked excellent - layered seitan and tofu ricotta with peppers and mushrooms. 

Three blocks south of Evanston downtown is one of the state s oldest vegetarian restaurants. Although the decor of the Blind Faith Cafe (525 Dempster St., b 847-328-6875) is undeniably a throwback to the 1970s, its food is definitely not. A revolving menu starts with appetizers such as the cornmeal-crusted tofu cakes served with shaved onion in a red wine sauce. Unique international entrees are unusual additions to the Chicago culinary scene. Try the mu-shu-seasoned tempeh with zucchini, carrots, red peppers, baby corn and bean sprouts, served with plum sauce and Manda-... 

The restaurant is perfect for a noon-time getaway - try the homemade dal, a lentil soup with loads of onions and mustard seeds. The chapati roll-up is a good deal at 4.95 - whole wheat flat bread stuffed with the curry of the day, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, red cabbage and bean sprouts, complemented with your choice of one of the many house dressings. (The sesame herb was my favorite.)... 

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