The Science Behind the Most Widely Used Allium in the World: Onions

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The Science Behind the Most Widely Used Allium in the World: Onions | What's Eating Dan?

Рет қаралды 352,520

Күн бұрын

Did you know onions are the most widely use allium and the third most widely used vegetable in the world? In this episode, Dan answers questions like: Why do onions make you cry? What's the best way to cut an onion? and many more.
Get the recipe for caramelized onions: cooks.io/2t5gfo7
Get the recipe for caramelized onion dip: cooks.io/2FzXxYh
Get the recipe for pickled red onions: cooks.io/2t1nBsH
Watch the episode on our other favorite allium, garlic: • The Science of Garlic ...
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Пікірлер: 615

@pwindle 4 жыл бұрын

A lot of people cry while cutting onions, but the trick is to not get emotionally attached.

@Hawidaku 4 жыл бұрын

Uhm did dan have a stroke or something?

@lukerinderknecht2982 4 жыл бұрын

@@Hawidaku he probably has Bell's Palsy you goof. It's something he has no control over, unlike your lack of empathy.

@slvrcross 4 жыл бұрын

@@lukerinderknecht2982 lol omg calm down babe

@mauz791 4 жыл бұрын

Onyo

@TheMrsBeej 4 жыл бұрын

@@lukerinderknecht2982 no stroke, no palsy.

@lisaboban 4 жыл бұрын

OK. That "quarter the onion to do only verticle cuts" trick is a game changer. Had to watch it 3 times to get it, but it's genius.

@JoelGonzalez-ud7qo 4 жыл бұрын

Glad l was not the only one who had to rewind, yes 3X !

@madthumbs1564 4 жыл бұрын

He showed professional methods. - At home you could cut a slice or two, lay it down and make radial cuts toward the center (but not all the way and varying distance from center to get more consistent sized pieces).

@hogue3666 4 жыл бұрын

It's just 4 pole-to-pole slices to quarter the onion. Choppa choppa, turn 90, and choppa choppa.

@VardhanShrivastava 4 жыл бұрын

Mind equals blown!

@conallharkin5365 4 жыл бұрын

I'm not really convinced that it's necessary tho - just slicing parallel and perpendicular to the root is fine, the onions will apart then due to their layers

@4561232000 4 жыл бұрын

“We all know what I’m talking about: onion dip” French onion soup: Cries in onion

@eveakane6563 4 жыл бұрын

Onion soup's flavor is more dependent on the broth though.

@lancelindlelee7256 4 жыл бұрын

@@eveakane6563 couldn't you say the same thing for the dip being dependent on sour cream and yogurt?

@finneh6145 3 жыл бұрын

@@lancelindlelee7256 well sour cream and yogurt usually don't differ too much except for quality. With broth, there's a lot mor differences than just quality.

@MrSneakySunday 4 жыл бұрын

Whats Eating Dan is one of the most consistently good shows on youtube

@jeremysteinmeier1701 3 жыл бұрын

I remember the first time I saw him on America's test kitchen and I knew he was really talented. Glad to see he's getting more camera time.

@jonslg240 Жыл бұрын

Onions/garlic/shallots/etc cause tons of acid reflux, one of the biggest problems in developed countries right now (as it lead s to hiatal hernias, ulcers, cancer, etc) I thought this video might address some of how to make onions cause less acid reflux, but sadly it doesn't =/ My suggestion is boil them with water and oil, get 'sweet' ones, and then drain that water+oil mixture before caramelizing. I've made onion, shallot, or garlic butter, or a mix of any 2 or all 3, and it always causes tons of acid reflux, even if I strain it.. so the compounds that hurt you are fat soluble. Get rid of some of that first in the oil+water mixture, then caramelize the onions until it's basically a jam. And that, folks, is what he should be including in this video but didn't. Caramelized onions still add tons of excellent flavor, even with removing some of the flavor, that even then they're far better than non-carmelized ones. For those with acid reflux, 70% of society: try it and don't bother thanking me because I already said you're welcome. =p

@bburkie55 4 жыл бұрын

"They say you should chop onions underwater. But I can't hold my breath that long."-Louis Jordan

@passion777able 2 жыл бұрын

Store them i n your fridge and you won't cary. don't listen to so called EXPERTS. I seldom do. I'm my own expert and I say, store in fridge.

@ladeevolfan 4 жыл бұрын

Oh....french onion soup is the ultimate in oniony goodness, Dan! :)

@rmknicks 4 жыл бұрын

It's so good!!!!!

@spacewizard69 4 жыл бұрын

yep Panera just got back French onion soup and is delicious with cheese and croutons

@deadfr0g 4 жыл бұрын

Ohhhh, I am so goddamn excited to see this video! I’ve been wondering about onion chemistry ever since I watched old man Townsends roast a whole onion and eat it alone. ... KZfaq is so weird, you guys.

@johnoshman7635 4 жыл бұрын

I follow Townsends and never saw that episode (until just now)

@scavenski 4 жыл бұрын

Informative but not overwhelming, entertaining, straight to the point, short, nothing unnecessary. This is a perfect video.

@missamo80 4 жыл бұрын

Fun! I've made that dip many times, with bacon added. Delicious. As far as future episodes go, how about one on either lobster or crab (or both). Costco constantly has the seafood roadshow with lobster tails but I never know what to look for and how to prepare it. You could cover how to deal with a whole live vs. previously frozen tails, how to clean, etc.

@zelma8 4 жыл бұрын

And he whipped out the periodic table!!!! I love this nerd... ❤️

@livvhauber6195 4 жыл бұрын

This video series has helped me become a better cook! I am seriously thinking about going back to school for a food science degree because I love it so much! Thank you Dan for making it so dang fun!!

@danthadon87 3 жыл бұрын

Dan's got to be one of the most likable hosts i've ever seen.

@JoelGonzalez-ud7qo 4 жыл бұрын

Content and your personality are always amazing Dan and credit to the team who edits, adds funny clips and music, etc. Total package ATK!🤩💞👏

@hollym5873 4 жыл бұрын

I so love watching your videos Dan. They are always fun, thought provoking, educational and tasty. I am so much smarter for watching this video. Thanks

@paradox... 4 жыл бұрын

Onions have layers. Ogres have layers... You get it? We both have layers!

@mysterymanforu 4 жыл бұрын

You know what else everybody likes? Parfaits!

@bcowsie 3 жыл бұрын

Parfait has layers! And everybody loves parfait!

@CassWomack 4 жыл бұрын

Best Friend DAN! Starting off the new year with everyone's favorite tear creator!

@Sierrahtl 4 жыл бұрын

I have liked, loved, raved and shared your videos for a long time...this one is and will always be my favorite! Thanks friends!

@jasonhochhauser3955 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely a video to cry about. Keep up the greatness Dan

@LindaR423 3 жыл бұрын

I absolutely LOVE onions. I'm an old dog learning a new trick today, and that is on the way to caramelize onions. It's a much simpler way than how I've been doing it.

@Mrsp8472 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always. I'm surprised though, that for all the science, there was no mention of looking at onions under the microscope as kids (mitosis in action) or that onions are actually modified leaves.

@aiai-j7i 4 жыл бұрын

Oh, I did not know that they are modified leaves. I like that!

@karoncrickmore2093 4 жыл бұрын

I just ❤️ your science segments. I learn so, so much from a great teacher! Thanks Dan

@nahuel 4 жыл бұрын

I LOVED THIS. Blew my mind.

@sharonpack4889 Жыл бұрын

3 years later and I still love this video. never take this down. 🤩😆

@Chande707 4 жыл бұрын

I almost cried.... Love onions.. You made it educational and fun... As usual learned a lot. Thanks Dan

@alystayre 4 жыл бұрын

If you really like onions, you should try a pissaladière, it's pretty much a caramalised oignon pizza with anchoves

@MichaelEllis1 4 жыл бұрын

I keep Lan's carmelized onions on hand in my fridge. It's a once a month staple item for me. I use them to make the dip you described, Dan, but also for a pasta sauce I got from CI. You guys are the best.

@gillisjack 2 жыл бұрын

I have watched may of your videos btw, and love them all. Being from Georgia, I just have to make one comment on the Vidalia. I have heard a few KZfaqrs pronounce them as you did with a "short" A sound. The town where they are from is pronounced vy DAY lia or vy DAY ya (like Hi HAY Yah). Very glad you included them. :)

@pierremontparnasse 4 жыл бұрын

Onion riddle in Spanish: *_En el campo fui nacida, mis hermanos son los AJOS, y aquel que llora por mí me está partiendo en pedAZOS._* I was born in the fields my siblings are the garlics, and the one who cries for me is cutting me into pieces.

@jeanvignes 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting. When I lived in France in 2005 I immediately noticed that the "white onions" in France were noticeably more "hard" and also more "hot" than American white onions. This probably explains why true French onion soup is...heavenly. The onions really stand up to the Gruyere.

@sabahbubbler 4 жыл бұрын

You mean the "Onyo"

@TSLMachine 4 жыл бұрын

LMAO I haven't seen that video in a long time.

@arunramachandran5012 4 жыл бұрын

An awesome way to caramelize a large batch of onions is to pressure cook them. Pressure cooking vastly speeds up the Maillard reaction, especially if you don't put too much liquid in it (onions have moisture in them so that should be enough for pressure cooking but not overly so to stop Maillard).

@ScreamingSicilian70 4 жыл бұрын

It doesn't get more comprehensive that your injection of humor made it even better. Thank you for this video. I've been caramelizing onions the wrong way all this time!

@viviandibrell849 2 жыл бұрын

I recently pickled some red onions for the first time and OMG! So fabulous on everything I put them in scrambled eggs on salads any time I can think of someway to use them. Delish!

@Ottawa411 4 жыл бұрын

I live for onions. I use them in almost everything. Thanks for the method of caramelizing onions, I'll be sure to try it. I almost cried this year. The farmers market shut down and when I went to the grocery store, the onions were $2.99/lb (CDN) and they were terrible. I planned ahead and canned jalapenos, but I didn't do any onions. Next year for sure. Great video as always.

@seriouslyreally5413 4 жыл бұрын

The quarter onion flip is pure genius! Thanks, makes my dice a lot finer! Still working on my claw grip for slicing. Seems so awkward but beats adding fingerlings into the slaw.

@KOZGERFWAD 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Dan, I love that you use the same low, subtle, theme song below each video. Recognizable, endearing. Please don’t change it! Great job on everything else! Keep up the great work!!

@SoumaMondal 4 жыл бұрын

Oooooh, cutting horizontally before vertically is going to revolutionize my onion game. Thank you Dan!

@gwyngreenwalt3715 2 жыл бұрын

*sigh* I love Dan. I told my husband that if I left him for anybody, it would be Dan *sigh* Seriously, I learn so much from his nerdy/science-y segments. He's awesome!

@peterjones8274 4 жыл бұрын

personal onion dice technique avoiding horizontal cuts: radial tip to root slices, then chop. works 90% of the time, every time.

@JeffreyHatch69 11 ай бұрын

Some people may laugh and some people may cry but one of my all-time favorites is raw onion sandwich. big slices of onion on bread with salt, pepper, mayonnaise... Sometimes with sliced fresh garden tomatoes and sometimes just straight onion and mayo mmm mmm ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS❤

@axem.8338 4 жыл бұрын

Dan, your videos are so satisfying to watch.

@dman2520 4 жыл бұрын

Dan's face and personality are so refreshing. ❤️ I love watching him.

@arlenestanton9955 4 жыл бұрын

dman2520 never even noticed that.People are so critical.

@michaelholm6347 4 жыл бұрын

I saw the onion dip and started salivating.

@tammytungett9679 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! I needed this video 😊

@wendytube007 4 жыл бұрын

Love this show!

@BudBetz 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video Dan! You just have this smart guy way of presenting your topics that are quite clever and attractively interesting. I like watching your videos! The tip on slicing onions heel to point with the knife blade on the horizontal first is now in my toolbox, and the 90 degree flip is just too clever. Thanks!

@gillisjack 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips on chopping and slicing. The part about caramelizing was great, too.

@johnmckee2266 4 жыл бұрын

Best onion video I have ever seen!

@toricarrillo5165 4 жыл бұрын

Cutting onion quarters instead of making vertical cuts just changed my life. 🤯

@Sierrahtl 4 жыл бұрын

Tori Carrillo my dull knife is my new best friend!

@madthumbs1564 4 жыл бұрын

Finally a video showing why to horizontal cut first! - Been telling Chefs this for years!

@kikeena1 4 жыл бұрын

Another fantastic video from Dan.

@potugadu5160 4 жыл бұрын

This video is jam-packed with information. Thanks.

@jayyyzeee6409 4 жыл бұрын

I've never seen the need for the horizontal cuts since the inner concentric structure of an onion results in the same level of dice. However, now that I know that more flavor is released with more cutting, I guess that's a benefit, but I still won't be bothered to do horizontal cuts.

@mazza_razzza 4 жыл бұрын

I have never bothered with horizontal cuts. I always find it amusing when the 'experts' do it. And these same experts could never tell the difference in flavour anyways LOL!!

@junejewel 3 жыл бұрын

SO well done!!! Informative and witty - thank you ATK and Dan!!

@Epicdps 4 жыл бұрын

I was watching some caremallized onion videos and I was thinking "hmmm... I wonder if there's a video of the science behind onions by Dan Souza that I've maybe missed. I'll search for it." Then, bam. Uploaded yesterday. I couldn't be happier hahahha

@MrWalksindarkness 4 жыл бұрын

are horizontal cuts even necessary? the onions layers take care of this naturally.

@Ottawa411 4 жыл бұрын

I've never done the horizontal cuts and nobody has ever complained.

@Mystiskem1 4 жыл бұрын

Exactly. Horizontal cuts are pointless.

@johnfinsky5420 4 жыл бұрын

if you want a finely minced onion then yes it is necessary. try it for yourself and youll notice a lot more chunky pieces towards the outside of the onion

@notvangogh Жыл бұрын

I’d love your take on frying. Yes frying in general and yea how to make the best crunchy fried yummy battered anything!!! Thank you!

@deanfawbush9071 Жыл бұрын

I was love your videos very informative thanks, I’m going to make the dip it looks fabulous !!!

@thelasonj 4 жыл бұрын

loved this information thank you!!🧅🧅🧅

@mosesceesay7116 4 жыл бұрын

This video, as a novice cook, is literally gold being fed into my ears

@clairressagoad2789 Жыл бұрын

I love this…and I am not ashamed to proclaim that I an onion freak!!!

@CaptainTimo 4 жыл бұрын

The pun at the end of the garlic video was SO good. I was waiting for another one this whole video ...

@iliketurdoes 4 жыл бұрын

Now do Tofu! I love it so much

@buddy77587 4 жыл бұрын

I especially love the garlic bread educational video! Learned a lot!

@am8115 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that this channel hasn't changed to 20+ mins like others have with KZfaq changes

@vmr6771 2 жыл бұрын

Got to do the pickled onions for my next Pernil Sandwiches! Gracias Dan.

@seroun17 4 жыл бұрын

Dan you are truly the greatest

@karinperrott9890 4 жыл бұрын

I love learning about the science of food. Dan is great!

@FireSerpent Жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Thanks so much

@RC-bl2pm 4 жыл бұрын

Wow who knew? Such a good series.

@chryzparnell9488 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks dan my favorite veg is onions and now i understand them better

@Peggyt-jp6mt 4 жыл бұрын

Ever had an onion sandwich. Add some cheese whiz and it is wonderful. I used to make salmon sandwiches with onion added, now I make onion sandwiches with salmon added.

@marktaylor1801 2 жыл бұрын

WOW ! Thank you very much.

@radhwanyassin5357 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for you beautiful Video and How cutting the onions.

@gordhend 4 жыл бұрын

Nice show about onions. Water helps create smother onions! I will do it next time. Thanks

@CarolineSpiz 4 жыл бұрын

One preparation you didn't talk about was lacto-fermented onions. It's even easier than the pickled onions you showed, though it takes about a week before they're ready. They're so good both raw and cooked. My partner can't eat onions otherwise since even cooked onions give him stomach issues due to the indigestible sugars. By fermenting the onions, the bacteria sort of pre-digest the sugars, thereby making onions edible for him again.

@RommelBhargava 4 жыл бұрын

Every sunday I prepare caramalized onions and Tomatoes as meal prep. Speeds up cooking.

@cynthiaamitrano8915 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Very informative.

@lilithsmith1290 2 жыл бұрын

Very scientific , I have to watched at list 2 moor time to comprehend! Thank you.

@skullcupcup 4 жыл бұрын

If you do radial cuts of an onion while keeping the core attached you can then just cut it and it will be diced without having to do horizontal cuts altogether. Also it's faster than doing the quartering method

@brendaf1033 4 жыл бұрын

Always learning something from you Dan.

@b_uppy 4 жыл бұрын

The caramelizing tip is a game changer. Thank you!

@AWWx2 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video from Dan, and some very useful advice for me as to how best to slice, chop and mince and caramelize onions! Thanks!

@curjargon 4 жыл бұрын

Fascinating!!! More Dan! More! And you’d probably kick me out of the kitchen for the way I cut an onion. But it’s fast and works great! 😬

@natepagel1885 6 ай бұрын

Here's what I do: I pretty much follow this, but use a huge deep pot and a LOT of onions. When done take the extra, jar it and put it in the fridge. Boom! Caramelized onions when and where you want, instantly. - Nate

@FrugalOverFifty 4 жыл бұрын

So fascinating! I love the combination of chemistry and technique.

@marjoriejohnson6535 4 жыл бұрын

Love this series...

@goudagirl6095 Жыл бұрын

Onions and garlic makes the world go around! AND garlic help keeps bugs away!

@arriesdavid 4 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate this series It makes ma a better cook. Seriously, these are chef secretes stuffs.

@Kaice88 2 жыл бұрын

I FREAKIN LOVE ONIONS! MAINLY RAW because I want that full flavor but I love all and apparently all alliums or most because I love scallions, leeks, garlic, etc. GREAT VIDEO!

@weston.weston 3 жыл бұрын

Dan: you're great! These video shorts are like culinary workshops taught by one of our country's best (you) for FREE. Keep making this excellent content, we're watching and learning!

@christines1924 4 жыл бұрын

Youuuu are HILARIOUS! I LOVE ONIONS! My favorite dip: a good tasting onion, small curd 4% cottage cheese; food process; eat with kettle chips OMG....I eat this when my husband is out of town! 🤣

@williammcdorman6426 4 жыл бұрын

Try it with Martin Bar B Q Waffle chips, if you get the chips at the right time, they are huge.

@Dr.Nagyonfaj 4 жыл бұрын

Horizontal cuts would only be required if an onion were solid. As onions are made up of layers, horizontal cuts are superfluous.

@longhairbear 4 жыл бұрын

There was a sandwich shop in Peabody MA. that had an orange colored potato salad that was wonderful. I asked how they made it. They said they soaked the red onion slices in milk over night.

@MichaelEKaz 4 жыл бұрын

Order of operations! Why didn't I think of that? Slice the onion horizontally first - of course! Will be doing that from now on.

@llabronco 4 жыл бұрын

For dicing, instead of doing the vertical and horizontal cuts before chopping, you can cut narrow radial cuts and it comes out nearly the same. If you're after perfection, it won't be as uniform or precise but if you're just casually cooking at home it can save you time.

@mariavictorialucasanm 4 жыл бұрын

Love it much Dan! Love the Science... And how you presented it. Classroom- worthy!❤❤❤❤

@zachpw 4 жыл бұрын

I make slanted cuts like you showed for the pole to pole slices and then cut cross grain to dice it. Doesn’t require the horizontal cuts. I think it’s easier.

@cuongbui9708 4 жыл бұрын

You my friend, are getting a “like” for this one.

@BIgDaddyJ62 4 жыл бұрын

Happy New Year, Dan! What a way to start out the year! Onions rule and I learned something new as far as cutting technique is concerned. Thanks, handsome!