In the oldest recorded history, onions were depicted as food in Egyptian
tombs as early as 3200 B.C. It is believed that Egyptians fed them to
workers for strength to build pyramids.
In addition, they were depicted in the funerary paintings in tombs and
even placed on and around mummies. The artificial mummification process
started in the Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom reached its peak in
the New Kingdom.
Onions were found in body cavities from the New Kingdom until the Third
Intermediate Period. Archeologists discovered that Ramesses IV had
onions placed in his eye sockets and his ears, and a piece
of onion skin covered with resin was inserted into each
nostril.
Food was baked, boiled, stewed, fried, grilled, or roasted in Egypt.
However, very little is known about its preparation. They certainly used
onions, salt (Hmat) and oil also probably radishes and garlic as well
to add flavour to their other foods.
Egyptians thought garlic and onions aided endurance, and consumed
large quantities of them. Raw garlic was routinely given to
asthmatics and to those suffering with bronchial-pulmonary
complaints. Onions helped against problems of the digestive system.
The ancient Egyptians worshipped the onion, believing that its
spherical shape and concentric ring symbolized eternity. Of all the
vegetables, that had their images created from precious metals by
Egyptian artists, only the onion was made out of gold.
History of onion in ancient Egypt
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