Onions VS shallots: the differences between these two vegetables
If only from a culinary point of view, knowing how to differentiate onions or "onions" from shallots is essential. We take stock of the situation to help you distinguish one from the other!
What is the difference between onions and shallots?
Like garlic, onions and shallots are bulbous vegetables that are often found in the vegetable garden. They are both used as herbs. They can be eaten both raw and cooked. Although they belong to the same family, Amaryllidaceae, their respective tastes are not similar. Shallots are milder and less crunchy than onions. They are also distinguished by their appearance, their origin, their virtues and their number of calories.
Onions take on a round and wide appearance. Onions come in many colors. They have a high concentration of fiber. This herbaceous plant is native to Central Asia. Sometimes reaching up to 1 m high, onions have hollow leaves of green color and cylindrical shape. Depending on its variety, the bulb of the onion is more or less large and spherical. These vegetables have small green or white flowers of 5 mm with trimeric symmetry. They have been eaten since antiquity. It is an easy plant to grow in a garden located in a mild climate.
Shallots are generally slender bulbous vegetables and are smaller than onions. Shallots originate from Central Asia but also from the Southeast. They have a high content of antioxidants. Condimentary and vegetable, the shallot can take different aspects, going from the round bulb to the most elongated one. It is an herbaceous plant with a medium size measuring between 20 and 35 cm. On the other hand, the shallot has green and cylindrical leaves as well as a spherical umbel like the onions. The shallot does not like humidity, it likes sunny climates.
The main varieties of onions
- Green onion
- Red onion
- The yellow onion
- The sweet onion
The main varieties of shallots
- Grey shallot
- Pink violet shallot
- Reddish-brown shallot
Why grow onions and shallots in your garden?
You have a garden and you want to grow onions or shallots? This is a very good initiative! They are appreciated for their flavor because they enhance the preparation of cooked dishes. This is one of the main reasons for planting them in your garden. They are also used as condiments. Besides their nutritional qualities, shallots and onions also have medicinal properties. Discover our tutorials to learn how to sow or plant garlic, onions or shallots.
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