Im Hero and Onion's Special Encounter

In a recent episode of the SBS entertainment show 'Rural Hero Im Hero,' singer Im Hero garnered attention for his appearance helping out on a 1,000-pyeong onion farm alongside broadcasters Jo Jae-se, Hyun Bong-sik, and Heo Kyung-hwan. Despite sweating under the scorching sun, the atmosphere was cheerful. Im Hero even turned the farm into a mini-concert hall by singing his fan's favorite song, 'My Love Like a Starlight,' a cappella.

A lavish dinner was prepared, and as the smoky stir-fried pork arrived, onion wraps naturally made an appearance. The combination of pork and raw onion received rave reviews from the cast members. This shows how well meat and onions complement each other. Especially in early summer, when fresh onions are in season, it's the perfect time to enjoy them raw. Fresh onions have a crisp texture and contain compounds that benefit vascular health. While a piece of meat with an onion slice might seem like a common pairing, it's a great way to incorporate a seasonal dish that offers both flavor and health benefits.

In Season Now: The Charm of Fresh Onions

Onions are a vegetable that perfectly complements the early summer table, typically harvested from early April to mid-June. Now is the best time to enjoy fresh onions that haven't been stored for long. Fresh onions are characterized by their high water content and crispness. They have a softer texture than onions that have been stored for a long time, and their pungent taste is relatively milder. Raw onions are low in calories at 40kcal per 100g and are also good for health, containing dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

The Secret to Onions for Vascular Health

The reason onions are often mentioned as a 'vegetable good for vascular health' is due to the compounds that give them their unique pungent taste and aroma. The most notable are quercetin and allicin. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties that supports vascular health and helps manage LDL cholesterol, often referred to as 'bad cholesterol.' Allicin is a sulfur compound that gives onions their sharp taste and is related to the distinctive pungent smell that arises when cutting them.

This is also why the combination of meat and onions helps 'cleanse the blood vessels.' The pungent aroma of onions cuts through the richness of fatty meats, and the quercetin in onions aids in managing vascular health. Especially when eating raw onions with oily and seasoned dishes like samgyeopsal or stir-fried pork, you can enjoy the benefits of onions without compromising the taste of the meat.

The Allure of Onion Wraps: A Secret to Cutting Richness

On the show, a rural-style stir-fried pork set meal was prepared with stir-fried pork made from the recipe of Jo Jae-se's wife and soybean paste stew simmered by Heo Kyung-hwan. Amidst the hearty meal, the onion wraps caught everyone's eye. Instead of wrapping meat in lettuce or perilla leaves, the method involved placing stir-fried pork and ssamjang on a large slice of raw onion, topped with a small piece of lettuce, and eating it in one bite. The cast members were amazed, remarking that the pungent aroma of the raw onion cut through the greasiness of the stir-fried pork, enhancing the overall flavor in their mouths.

The reason onions pair so well with meat dishes is due to their unique aromatic compounds. Just as garlic and green onions are often used in meat dishes, the pungent aroma of onions plays a role in reducing the inherent greasiness of meat. The moisture and subtle sweetness of fresh onions make it even better. It enhances the spicy sauce and smoky flavor of stir-fried pork, while the crisp texture of raw onions adds a refreshing finish.

How to Enjoy Fresh Onions: Versatile Culinary Uses

With their crisp texture and moisture content, fresh onions are best enjoyed raw or thinly sliced in salads and cold dishes. If the spiciness is a concern, briefly soaking them in cold water can help. For 'spicy pickled onions,' thinly sliced onions are mixed with vinegar, soy sauce or salt, and sesame oil. The sourness softens the pungency of raw onions, making them a great accompaniment to strongly flavored dishes like stir-fried pork or bulgogi.

There are also advantages to cooking them. Onions lose their pungent taste and develop a natural sweetness when stir-fried or grilled. They add a natural umami flavor to stir-fries, curries, stews, and soups. While raw onions cut through the richness of meat, cooked onions enhance the sweetness and flavor of meat dishes. Adding plenty of onions to strongly seasoned dishes balances the taste with added sweetness and moisture.

When storing, it's important to avoid humidity. Onions with their skins on should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated place. Once cut, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them quickly. It's best to enjoy fresh onions raw or utilize their seasonal crispness and sweetness by stir-frying or grilling them, rather than storing them for extended periods.