The world’s third most popular ingredients after salt and pepper, onions and garlic have long been used for medicinal as well as culinary purposes. And while idealistic Motown fans might see the world as “just a great big onion,” Alexander the Great considered the bulbous root essential to a soldier’s diet. This video illustrates the diverse uses and benefits of onions and garlic, explaining why they caused the first labor strike in recorded history, why they have been valued for centuries as a cure-all, and why modern medicine is finally catching up—assessing their potential in fighting cancer and heart disease. Meanwhile, chef Paul Merrett shares three classic recipes: French onion soup, red onion jam, and home-baked garlic flatbread. Produced by the Open University. A part of the series Ever Wondered About Food? 2. (30 minutes)