Shallot facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shallot
A whole shallot
Species	Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Cultivar group	Aggregatum Group

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

Growth

Shallots seldom produce seeds. They are increased by dividing its compound bulbs. These are made up of several bulblets or cloves held together at the base. The bulblets are planted the same as onion sets. 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. The chief uses it 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.

Images for kids

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  Shallots are called "small onions" in South India, and are used extensively in cooking there.

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  Shallot plant (A. cepa var. aggregatum) growing in Castelltallat, Spain

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  Whole shallot plants consist of roots, bulbs, leaves, stalks, and flowers.

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  Shallot seeds

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  Shallots for sale in India

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  A person chopping shallots for making satay

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  Sliced shallots for bawang goreng in Indonesia

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  Bawang goreng, consisting of crispy deep-fried shallots, is a popular garnish in Indonesia.

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  Pickled shallots

See also

In Spanish: Allium ascalonicum para niños