« F. Robby | Main | DOW Hits New High -- Unadjusted for Inflation, That Is »

October 2, 2006

Building A Better Onion?

I
recently read The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan, which is about the interdependent relationship between plants and humans, and how each has shaped the other's development.

The book led me to wonder, the other day while cutting onions, why it is that plant geneticists have not yet figured out a way to create a yellow onion that really tastes like a yellow onion but doesn't make you cry.

Posted by Eric at October 2, 2006 9:58 PM

Comments

Why would you want an onion that tastes like a yellow onion when you've got your choice of all those sweet onions: Vidalia, Maui, etc?

Posted by: Todd at October 3, 2006 12:48 PM

Put the onion in the refrigerator for a while. They don't make you cry if they're cold when you slice them. Also, rinse the cutting board and knife off quickly.

Posted by: Emily at October 3, 2006 6:44 PM

Eric,

I started reading this book a few years ago (it was the darling of the NPR set). I found it a weee bit prententious and ultimately dull-dull-dull. I don't think I got past the first (of four sections?)

And put some bread on the board before slicing that sucker.

Posted by: John A at October 4, 2006 10:48 AM