Shallot

Shallots are a type of onion. They are a botanical variety of the species Allium cepa.[1] The shallot was previously classified as a separate species, A. ascalonicum.[2]

Shallot
A whole shallot
A whole shallot
Species
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Cultivar group
Aggregatum Group

Growth

Shallots seldom produce seeds.[3] They are increased by dividing its compound bulbs.[3] These are made up of several bulblets or cloves held together at the base. The bulblets are planted the same as onion sets.[4] Each set develops into a compound set. The mature bulbs are harvested, cured and stored the same way as onions. In suitable storage, the bulbs keep from one season to the next.

Flavour

The flavor of shallots is a little milder than onions. It’s used for flavoring curries. Both leaves and cloves are used. Leaves are also consumed as green vegetables. Like their cousins onions and garlics, this is also considered as non-vegetarian food in India. Most of the crop is produced for sale in the green state. But some dry bulbs are also used. They are also used for pickling.

Shallot Media

References

  1. Fritsch R.M. & Friesen N.. 'Allium crop science: recent advances (2002). Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing. p. 21. ISBN 0-85199-510-1.
  2. 'Allium ascalonicum information. Germplasm Resources Information NetworkUSDA. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Nannette Richford. How to propagate shallotsSFGATE. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  4. Steve Albert. Early planting onions, shallots, and garlic (15 February 2012)Harvest to Table. Retrieved 6 June 2015.