Gardeners sometimes bury an iron nail near plants to naturally fertilize the soil!
3. Enhances Onion’s Antibacterial Properties
Onions are natural disinfectants, and iron may enhance their antimicrobial effects
Used in some folk remedies to treat infections & purify water
A common trick in natural medicine practices
Some believe that placing an iron nail in an onion overnight increases its medicinal benefits!
4. A Traditional Cooking & Pickling Trick
Used in old-fashioned pickling recipes to deepen color & flavor
Iron reacts with natural acids, making onions and pickles crispier & more vibrant
Helps preserve onions longer in homemade vinegar brines
Try adding a rusty nail to your next batch of homemade pickles for a color-enhancing effect!
How to Try This Trick Yourself!
Take a clean, rust-free iron nail (or let it develop a natural rust coating).
Insert it into an onion and leave it overnight (or for a few days).
Use the onion in cooking, compost it, or plant it in the garden for added iron benefits!
For safety, always use food-grade iron nails if consuming the onion!
Final Thoughts – A Simple Trick with Big Benefits!
Whether for increasing iron intake, enhancing gardening, or pickling tricks, placing a nail in an onion is a fascinating old-school hack worth trying!