Growing up, I always found it curious when my French grandmother would stick cloves into an onion. It was something I’d never seen anyone else do, and I couldn’t quite understand why she would do it. As I watched her carefully poke the cloves into the onion’s flesh, I thought it was just another quirky habit of hers, something unique to her cooking rituals.
However, it wasn’t until I discovered the hidden benefits of this simple trick that I understood why she did it. Now, I do it myself, and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results If you’ve ever wondered about this unusual practice, let me explain what cloves in an onion are really for, and why you should try it too.
### **What You Need: An Onion and Cloves**
The ingredients are simple: a whole onion and a handful of whole cloves. You’ll need to insert the cloves into the onion’s surface, making sure they are spaced evenly. It seems like such a small thing, yet this small step can yield impressive benefits.
### **Why My Grandmother Used Cloves in an Onion**
When I was younger, I thought the combination of onion and cloves was just for flavor or decoration, maybe a quirky French tradition. But as I grew older and started to look into it, I realized there are several reasons why this trick works wonders, and it’s more than just an old cooking habit.
Here are the surprising benefits:
### **1. Natural Air Freshener**
One of the primary reasons for sticking cloves in an onion is that it acts as a natural air freshener. Onions have a strong, pungent odor that can absorb and neutralize bad smells in your home. Combined with cloves, which have a fragrant, aromatic smell, this trick creates a delightful and subtle scent. My grandmother used it in her kitchen to keep the air smelling fresh, especially in areas that are prone to cooking odors.
### **2. Natural Remedy for Colds and Congestion**
In many cultures, onions have long been regarded as a natural remedy for colds and respiratory issues. The sulfur compounds in onions are known to have antimicrobial properties, and the scent of cloves can help open up the airways. My grandmother often kept a clove-studded onion in her home during cold and flu season. The belief was that it could purify the air and help prevent the spread of illness. Though it might sound strange, many people swear by this old-fashioned remedy to help alleviate symptoms of coughs and congestion.
### **3. Acts as a Natural Insect Repellent**
Onions and cloves can also serve as a natural insect repellent. The pungent odor of both the onion and the cloves is highly unappealing to certain insects, including mosquitoes and flies. This is a great natural alternative to chemical insect repellents, especially if you prefer an eco-friendly solution in your home. I’ve started placing clove-studded onions around my kitchen and windowsills to keep insects at bay, and I can attest that it works remarkably well
### **4. Enhances Your Cooking**
Beyond its health benefits and practical uses, the combination of onion and cloves can also elevate the flavors of your cooking. As the cloves slowly infuse their aromatic properties into the onion, it can add a subtle depth of flavor to your dishes. This is especially true for stews, soups, and sauces, where the onion’s sweetness balances the warm, spicy essence of the cloves. It’s a unique, flavorful addition to any dish that benefits from a touch of spice.
### **5. A Perfectly Simple, Yet Elegant Decoration**
Lastly, cloves-studded onions can be a decorative addition to your home. The intricate design of the cloves can create a beautiful visual effect when displayed in a bowl or placed in your kitchen. It’s a simple, elegant way to decorate your home with natural ingredients, adding a touch of rustic charm.
### **How to Make Your Own Clove-Stuffed Onion**
If you’re ready to try this trick for yourself, here’s how to do it:
1. **Pick a Fresh Onion**: Choose a medium to large onion. It can be any variety, but yellow onions tend to be the best for this trick.
2. **Insert the Cloves**: Using whole cloves, carefully stick them into the surface of the onion, ensuring they are spaced evenly. You can create a pattern or simply cover the entire onion.
3. **Place the Onion in a Bowl or on a Plate**: Set the onion in a well-ventilated area, such as your kitchen or living room. You’ll soon start to notice the subtle fragrance filling the space.
4. **Replace When Necessary**: The onion will dry out and lose its potency over time, so be sure to replace it every few weeks for the best results.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first, but once I discovered the surprising benefits of sticking cloves in an onion, I was hooked From acting as a natural air freshener to helping keep insects at bay, the uses for this simple trick are endless. It’s a practice that has stood the test of time, passed down through generations, and is still relevant today. Now, I do it myself, and I encourage you to try it, too
Whether you’re looking to purify the air, enhance your cooking, or simply add a touch of charm to your kitchen, this old-fashioned trick from my grandmother is a game-changer. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you 😅