Shallot

Allium cepa aggregatum

Characteristics

Culture

The Shallot is a member of the Allium genus, which includes onions, garlic, chives, and several ornamental plants. The term “shallot” refers to a particular group of plants in an onion subgroup, known as “multiplier onions,” that produces two or more bulbs per plant. Although shallots were once considered a separate species (Allium ascalonicum), they are now categorized botanically as an onion variety (Allium cepa var. aggregatum).

A Shallot has a mild taste that combines the flavor of a sweet onion with a touch of garlic. Shallots multiply in the ground like garlic, but the individual bulbs have concentric layers like onions. Moreover, shallots are generally smaller than garlic bulbs and have a mild onion flavor.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Traditional shallot plants are a true long day variety and can be planted in intermediate day areas if planted early; we just caution that they may not reach full size potential outside of long day areas.

Problems

Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.

Uses

Shallots have a mild onion/garlic flavor and can be used in any recipe calling for onions, especially if you want a milder taste. They are great raw or cooked.