How do you make onion extract?

To make onion extract, you will require two important ingredients: fresh onions and an extraction agent. Here is a basic method to prepare onion extract:

Ingredients:

1. Fresh Onions (white or red)

2. Extraction agent (vegetable glycerin, alcohol, or water)

Equipment

1. Blender

2. Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth

3. Glass container

4. Funnel

5. Dark, airtight glass bottles or containers for storing the extract.

Instructions

1. Select the Onions: Choose fresh and healthy onions. Peel and cut them into small pieces to make blending easier.

2. Blend the Onions: Place the onion pieces in a blender. Add enough of your chosen extraction agent to cover the onions. If using water, you may need slightly more to avoid a thick consistency. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.

3. Strain the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth placed over a glass container. This will remove pulp and solids, leaving you with a liquid extract.

4. Discard the Pulp: Discard the pulp that remains in the strainer or cheesecloth.

5. Concentrate the Extract (optional): If you wish, you can reduce the extract by heating it gently in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmering it will evaporate excess water and concentrate the flavor. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Cool and Transfer: Allow the concentrated extract or strained liquid to cool down to room temperature.

7. Transfer and bottle: Use a funnel to transfer the cooled extract into dark, airtight glass bottles or containers. This will help preserve its flavor and prevent light degradation.

8. Label: Label the bottles with the extraction agent used, date, and extract type (e.g., onion tincture, glycerite).

9. Store: Store the onion extracts in a cool, dark place. Refrigerating alcohol-based extracts is recommended.

Note:

- If using alcohol as an extraction agent, choose a high-proof alcohol like vodka that is food-grade.

- When choosing vegetable glycerin or alcohol as an extraction agent, ensure they are edible-grade and suitable for consumption.

- Adjust the amount of extraction agent according to your desired consistency.

- Experiment with different extraction agents to find the flavor and texture that works best for you.

Remember to research and fully understand the extraction method before attempting it, especially when using alcohol. Onion extracts can be used in cooking, as flavorings in recipes, or as herbal remedies, depending on the intended purpose.