Chinese onion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chinese onion |
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Synonymy
Allium bakeri Regel
Allium bodinieri H.Lév. & Vaniot Allium exsertum Baker 1874, illegitimate homonym not G. Don 1827 Allium martini H.Lév. & Vaniot Allium splendens Miq. 1867, illegitimate homonym not Willd. 1830 Caloscordum exsertum Herb. |
Allium chinense (also known as Chinese onion, Chinese scallion, glittering chive, Japanese scallion, Kiangsi scallion, and Oriental onion) is an edible species of Allium, native to China, and cultivated in many other countries. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and garlic.
Contents
Distribution
Allium chinense is native to China (in Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang provinces). It is naturalized in other parts of Asia as well as in North America.
Uses
Culinary
Owing to its very mild and "fresh" taste, A. chinense is often pickled and served as a side dish in Japan and Vietnam to balance the stronger flavor of some other component in a meal. For example, in Japanese cuisine, it is eaten as a garnish on Japanese curry.
In Vietnam, pickled A. chinense, known as củ kiệu, is often served during Tết (Lunar New Year).
In Japanese, it is known as rakkyō (辣韮 or 薤). Glass bottles of white rakkyō bulb pickles are sold in Asian supermarkets in North America.
Medicinal
Allium chinense is used as a folk medicine in tonics to help the intestines, and as a stomachic.
See also
In Spanish: Allium chinense para niños
