Young Spaniards consume less onion

In Spain, interest in onion consumption has decreased significantly, falling from 4.8 kilos per person per year to only 3.2 kilos, according to a local media report. In particular, farmers in Castile-La Mancha, responsible for more than 50% of the national total with a production of more than 600,000 kilos, have felt a direct impact on their income.

 

The Association of Onion Producers in Castile-La Mancha (Procecam) points out that the lack of interest in onion consumption among young people is attributed to their inclination towards processed or pre-cooked foods which include industrial onion to the detriment of fresh, traditional onion. Luis Fernando Rubio, Director of Procecam, points out that while adults over the age of 45 consume an average of 8.7 kilos per year, this average drops to less than half among young people.

 

To reverse this trend and encourage onion consumption among the younger population, Procecam will launch a campaign highlighting the health benefits of this vegetable and underlining the distinctive qualities of the "Cebolla de La Mancha". This variety, which has a protected geographical indication, is distinguished by its coppery colour, fleshy texture and considerable size, with specimens weighing up to one kilo. Its mild flavour is the result of the high content of potassium, calcium and magnesium in the soils of Castilla-La Mancha.