My grandmother used to put cloves in onions, and when I found out why, I was surprised!

That’s a fascinating old-fashioned trick! Your grandmother’s practice of putting cloves in onions likely served several purposes, blending culinary and practical benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons why she might have done this:

1. Flavor Infusion:

• Aromatic Enhancement: Cloves have a strong, warm, and spicy aroma. When inserted into an onion, they slowly release their flavor, infusing the onion and any dish the onion is used in.
• Depth of Flavor: This technique adds a complex layer of flavor to soups, stews, broths, and sauces, especially those cooked for extended periods.

2. Natural Preservative:

• Antimicrobial Properties: Cloves possess natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Inserting them into an onion might have helped to slow down spoilage, especially in times before widespread refrigeration.
• Insect Repellent: The strong scent of cloves can also act as a natural insect repellent, potentially keeping flies or other pests away from the onion.

3. Traditional Remedies:

• Pain Relief: In some folk medicine traditions, cloves were used for pain relief, especially toothaches. The onion might have acted as a carrier for the clove’s medicinal properties.
• Digestive Aid: Cloves were also believed to aid digestion. Adding them to onions in cooked dishes might have been seen as a way to make the dish more digestible.

4. Culinary Tradition:

• Regional Practices: This technique might have been a common practice in your grandmother’s region or family, passed down through generations.
• Resourcefulness: In the past, people were more resourceful with food, using every available ingredient and technique to enhance flavor and preserve food.

In summary:

Your grandmother’s practice was likely a combination of:

• Enhancing the flavor of the onion and the dish.
• Extending the onion’s shelf life.
• Utilizing the medicinal properties of cloves.
• Following a traditional culinary practice.

It’s a wonderful example of how traditional cooking methods often combine practical benefits with delicious results.