Roasted Onions in Tin Foil

The first use of aluminum foil in the U.S. was for identification leg bands for racing pigeons, sometime around 1913 - 1914. No predictions of future volume sales for foil have been found in marketing histories of the time



Aluminum foil soon showed great potential for containers and packaging because of its compatibility and protective qualities, economy, and its attractive appearance. An early packaging use for foil was as intimate wraps for tea and chocolate. In 1921, the first aluminum foil laminated paperboard folding carton was produced. Successful letterpress printing on foil was developed about the same time.

By 1929, aluminum accounted for 11% of all metal foil produced. Household aluminum foil was marketed in the late 1920's. In 1931, aluminum foil was packaged in appropriate sizes and thicknesses, in both rolls and sheets, and as an institutional wrap primarily for use by hotel, restaurant, and hospital kitchens.

Aluminum's share of foil production had rocketed to more than 50% by 1932. Another packaging use received a boost in 1937 when a brewery ordered 100 million aluminum foil bottle labels, the largest such at the time. In 1938, 56% of all foil produced was aluminum; today, this is in excess of 90%.

The first heat sealing foil was developed in 1938, and many attractive new packages and labels were seen at marketing shows and in the stores during the next year or so. But aluminum in all forms was soon drafted for war use all over the world.

The effect of World War II on aluminum foil was to establish it as a major packaging material, and as a major product with in the aluminum industry. It's truly spectacular growth period was launched. Principal uses during the war were for such essential military applications as packaging to prevent damage to contents by moisture, vermin, and heat; electrical capacitors; insulation; and anti-radar chaff, were dropped from planes on bombing missions, as a radar shield.

Following the war, aluminum was available for commercial use in large quantities, and the packaging industry in particular was familiar with the many protective, plus the visually attractive qualities of foil. Manufacturers of thermal insulation also found its barrier properties and reflectivity to be unexcelled. Aluminum foil applications began to multiply and foil packages and products became standard items in retail stores.

The first formed, all foil food containers appeared on the market in 1948, with a folded, cook in design. This grew into the complete line of die formed and air formed foil containers now sold in every supermarket, either as product containing packages, or as convenience dishes and pans. In 1949, large scale promotion and distribution if institutional foil quickly expanded this market launched 17 years earlier.

Foil fiber cans for both dry and liquid products were developed and the first large scale order for foil fiber motor oil cans was produced. Today the leading products packaged in this type of can include snack products, cosmetics, and ready to bake items.
Research Source: Aluminum Foil History

Perfect side dish the family will love. You can grill the onions or turn your oven on.

Roasted Onions in Tin Foil 
Copyrighted 2013, Christine’s Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients: 

2 medium onions
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter
2 sheets aluminum foil (18x13 inches)

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Peel onions, and cut into wedges. Place onions in center of aluminum foil. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Place butter on top of onion. Fold aluminum foil around onion and seal tightly, place on sheet pan. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Note: This recipe is perfect for grilling.