Declare Onion Appreciation Day

Senate Resolution No. 1941 BY: Senator METZGER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Wednesday, August 21, 2019, as Onion Appreciation Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, The agricultural industry of the State of New York is highly benefited by the active promotion of farming endeavors and agricultural products; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Wednesday, August 21, 2019, as Onion Appreciation Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The 21st day in August of every year is the official commencement date of onion harvest season in this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, The nutritional value of onions have been held in high esteem throughout recorded history, having been used in nearly every cuisine around the globe; and WHEREAS, Perceived to be one of the oldest known vegetables, onions are among the first cultivated crops, are easy to grow, do well in a wide range of soils and climates, are less perishable than many other vegetables, and have grown wild in many regions throughout the world; and WHEREAS, Food historians estimate man has been cultivating onions for approximately 5,000 years; it is also estimated our ancestors feasted on wild onions for thousands of years before the inventions of farming and writing; and WHEREAS, Onions have numerous medicinal purposes, some of which include the treatment of coughs, colds, wounds, ulcers, and hypertension; and WHEREAS, Modern research supports a surprising array of ancient allium-related health claims; according to researchers in the United States and India, onions also kill the germs that cause tooth decay; and WHEREAS, An absolute asset to society, onions contain at least 25 identified active disease combating compounds that, like garlic, possess antibacterial, antifungal, and immune enhancing properties which may explain their efficacy in warding off colds as well as relieving upset stomachs; they also appear to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, inhibit growth of cancer cells, reduce stroke risk, and assist in preventing heart disease; and WHEREAS, All of our Nation's farmers, particularly the onion farmers of the State of New York, deserve the recognition, support, and appreciation of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Wednesday, August 21,