Tell the Difference Between Spring Onions, Shallots, and Green Onions
It can be difficult to know the difference between types of onions when they carry different names in different places, markets, and countries. Here are some tips to help you sort it out, especially when it comes to interpreting what the recipe's calling for.
Steps
- Identify green onions. These are onions with such a variety of names that it's easy to be confused. They have long, slender white bases with green tops. Every bit of this onion can be used, both green and white sections, and the green tastes milder than the white.
- Green onions are also known as "scallions" or "eschallots". They are sometimes mistakenly called Make Baked Red Peppers Stuffed With Spinach, Shallots and Fresh Sage or spring onions.
- Identify spring onions. These are also known as "salad onions" and they're the more mature green onions. The bulb is white and sweet to the taste. While the tops of these onions can be used, they have an intense Make a Garlic Flavoured Pizza Base.
- Identify shallots. These are also known as "eschallots", "French shallots", or "golden shallots", when just shallots will do really. They are always in a tight cluster and look a little like small brown onions, only far more elongated.
Related Articles
- Make Caramelized Onions
- Cut an Onion
- Make Baked Red Peppers Stuffed With Spinach, Shallots and Fresh Sage
- Make Sweet Onion Marmalade
- Sauté Onions
Sources and Citations
- Pamela Clark, Ask Pamela, p. 163, in AWW, (February 2008).
