USDA and University of Wisconsin breeding programs are working on it. Onions, like garlic, have a natural blood-thinning effect that could play an important role in cardiovascular health. Research at the University of Wisconsin has shown that onions produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood more efficiently than even aspirin. Consumers often either shy away from such onions or cook them.
Trouble is, the cooking destroys the blood-thinning effect.
With this map, the scientists aim to separate the pungent flavor from the anticoagulant activity that thins the blood. By year 2000, researchers will complete genetic experiments to establish whether plant breeders can produce milder onions with high anti-coagulant benefit. World grain buyers to visit wheat states Grain importers, flour millers and government officials from throughout the world will visit leading U.S. wheat-producing states this summer and fall. These visits are becoming increasingly important as the privatization of wheat imports continues in countries throughout the world. When a country privatizes its imports, its government relinquishes control of imports to the private sector.