Onions, the essential ingredient in most Korean dishes, is called the “elixir on the table” because of the various effects on health. From fatigue recovery to diabetes prevention and anticancer effects, onions are widely known as healthy food. However, this year, onion farmers are deeply concerned about the overproduction of onions, falling prices, and difficulties obtaining sales channels. In response, the SPC Group signed a mutual growth agreement with Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do to promote onion consumption. Today, let’s learn about the history and effectiveness of onions and discover new Paris Baguette products made of Muan onions.
Happy Mutual Growth Project Episode 4: Muan Onion Buns from Paris Baguette
Excellent Muan Onion Grown in Loess Soil
Onion, the long-beloved elixir on the table
Onions have a long history as healthy food. In Egypt, worshiped and believed to symbolize immortality, they were buried around the grave of pharaohs. Onions were also distributed to workers for stamina when they built pyramids. In medicine books of India written in the sixth century BC, they were introduced as a supplement for the heart, eyes, joints and used for diuretic and digestive effects. Ancient Greek athletes participating in the Olympic Games also ate onions to enhance physical fitness. During the Black Death epidemic in 1347, which almost wiped out a quarter of Europe’s population, it was reported that allicin, the sharp-tasting chemical component in onions, alleviated sickness through antibacterial effects.
Onions have multiple health effects
As such, onions, which have been used throughout history, have various effects. It is good for preventing high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia by controlling blood sugar and cholesterol. Onions are also excellent for preventing colds and obesity because they are rich in vitamin C, and aryl sulfide and minerals are great for recovering from fatigue and relieving hangovers. The isothiocyanate in onion inhibits the generation of cancer in the esophagus, liver, colon, and stomach, and quercetin also has anticancer effects by preventing the metastasis of carcinogens in the human body. Lastly, drinking onion decoction is said to help relieve insomnia.
Harvesting in Muan, Jeollanam-do, the top onion producer in Korea
Muan in Jeollanam-do is best known for onion production, accounting for 16% of the entire supply in In Korea. More than 70% of the total area is covered with reddish loess soil. This type of soil is rich in minerals and retains moisture and fertilizers very well. It is a great basis for producing onions, which retain nutrients and moisture for a long time and have excellent sugar content. Grown in the sea breeze that protects them from pests and diseases, Muan onions are crispy in texture, and the warm winter temperatures allow less frost damage compared to other regions. Onions produced in the loess soil of Muan have excellent quality, with a high content of magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as selenium, which is effective in the prevention of illnesses.
Enjoy Muan onions in healthy and delicious buns
Despite the fine quality, onion farmers are undergoing a major struggle this year as crop’s price has plummeted due to overproduction. In response, Paris Baguette purchased 600t of Muan onions, developed “Muan onion buns,” and decided to donate a portion of proceeds from the sale to the community. In June, although the onion price fell by 2-30% compared to the previous month and over 10% compared to the average month, we purchased onions at the average price, fulfilling our role as a social enterprise. The SPC Group is working with local farmers to promote the consumption of domestic ingredients and exert a positive influence.
New Muan Onion Buns from Paris Baguette
Through this agreement, Paris Baguette is launching four fresh and delicious new products. The buns have witty shapes that resemble an onion, adding to the joy of eating. The first new product, “Blossoming Onion,” is a refreshing harmony of mustard cream and crunchy onion in the form of an onion flower. The second product “I’m Muan Onion,” which looks like the cross-section of an onion. It uses bagel dough to create a chewy texture and has a superb blend of onion flavor and cream cheese. The third is “Onion Rings for You and I,” an onion ring-shaped bun full of onion flavor with a crisp and chewy texture. Lastly, “Moon Embracing the Onion” is a pizza bun that contains onions, cheese, ham, and corn that people of all ages can enjoy. Collaborating with local farmers to capture both health and taste, Paris Baguette’s mutual growth project has been ongoing since last year. Let’s find out which agricultural products transformed into our products and became widely popular.
Happy Mutual Growth Project with Local Farmers
Update on Happy Mutual Growth Projects with Local Farmhouses
Since last year, the SPC Group has been helping farmers suffering from COVID-19 through the “Happy Mutual Growth Project.” To date, more than 9 million products from the project, including Paris Baguette bakery products, have been sold and loved by customers. Through the project with Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, which started in September 2020, Paris Baguette introduced five products made of potatoes from Gangwon-do, which have refreshing chewy and savory flavors. We released “Gangwon-do Creamer Potato Bun,” “Country Steamed Potato Bun,” “Gangwon-do Potato Focaccia,” and “Whole Potato Cheese Bread,” selling 8 million of them. From December 2020 to March 2021, we released four types of products, including “Jeju Gujwa Carrot Cake,” “Jeju Gujwa Carrot Mini Cake,” “Jeju Carrot Sandorong Sandwich,” and “Jeju Carrot Mendorong Muffin,” selling over 200,000 pieces in four months. Made with carrots from Gujwa, Jeju, which are high in sugar and rich in nutrients, the products had become very popular. Next, the strawberry project in collaboration with Nonsan, the nation’s largest strawberry producer, was carried out for about two months from March 2021. The “Nonsan Strawberry Cake,” made with strawberries grown in Nonsan with plenty of sunlight and pristine water, was well-received for the sweet flavor, rich fruit juice, and luscious creme legere. Over 200,000 cakes were sold during the project period.
Agreement Ceremony for Happy Growth Project between the SPC Group and Muan-gun to promote Muan onion consumption
Through the mutual growth project that collaborated with local farmers, the SPC Group has been promoting the consumption of domestic produce. The project made everyone happy by launching unique products using those produce and increasing customer value. We have also practiced further mutual growth measures by donating scholarships to partnering local governments in Pyeongchang, Jeju, and Nonsan. We will continue to fulfill our role as a social enterprise through continuous support.
This time, we have explored SPC Group’s fourth Happy Mutual Growth Project. Using domestic agricultural produce, we can create high-quality products and allow customers to participate in meaningful consumption. It is the blueprint that helps local farmers and creates shared values. In line with our management philosophy of mutual growth, we will continue our efforts to expand the sales channels of domestic farms and revitalize the consumption of agricultural produce.
