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Scallion

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Scallions are edible vegetables belonging to the genus Allium.

Chopped scallions
Chopped scallions

They are also known as green onions or spring onions. These plants are closely related to garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots. Scallions are prized for having a milder taste than most common onions. They feature long, delicate green stems that are white near the root. Unlike many other Allium species, scallions do not develop a full bulb. Instead, they produce hollow, tubular green leaves that grow directly from a small base.

2010-06-19-supermarkt-by-RalfR-32
2010-06-19-supermarkt-by-RalfR-32

This lack of a large bulb distinguishes them from commercially available onions.

The growth and preparation of scallions involve specific biological and culinary steps. To begin, a seed must undergo germination. This process generally takes between 7 and 14 days depending on the variety.

Germinating scallion
Germinating scallion

When preparing the vegetable for eating, people often remove the bottom half-centimeter of the root. Once cleaned, the leaves can be used in various ways. Some cooks chop the green leaves to create scallion oil. They do this by lightly cooking the chopped leaves and emulsifying them in vegetable oil. This oil can then be used to add flavor to many different dishes.

There are several distinct types and cultivars of plants used as scallions. Many cultivars grown in the West belong to the species Allium cepa var. cepa. These are often harvested while they are still young, before a bulb can form. Another variety is Allium chinense, known as the Welsh onion. This plant does not form bulbs even when it reaches full maturity. It is grown in the West almost exclusively as a salad onion or scallion. Other species used include Allium × proliferum and the variety Allium cepa 'White Lisbon'.

The history of the scallion is tied to ancient Mediterranean geography. The names "scallion" and "shallot" both derive from the Old French word "eschalotte." This word came from the Latin term "Ascalōnia caepa," which means "Ascalonian onion." This name refers to Ascalon, an ancient coastal city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Because they are used globally, scallions have many regional names. In Scotland, they are called "syboe" or "gibbon." Other names include "table onion," "salad onion," "onion stick," and "baby onion."

Culinary significance varies greatly across different global food traditions. In China, scallions are a vital part of the "holy trinity" of cooking. This combination includes scallions, ginger, and garlic. This trio is used to cook many types of meat and vegetables. This concept is similar to the "mirepoix" used in French cuisine, which uses celery, onions, and carrots. In Cajun cuisine, a similar "holy trinity" of ingredients is also used. In Vietnam, the Welsh onion is a key ingredient for "dưa hành," which are fermented onions served for Tết, the Vietnamese New Year.

Specific regional dishes highlight the versatility of the scallion.

Haemul-pajeon 3
Haemul-pajeon 3

In Korea, they are used in "haemulpajeon," a seafood and scallion pancake. In Ireland, chopped scallions are added to mashed potatoes to make a dish called "champ" or "colcannon." In Mexico and the Southwest United States, "cebollitas" are scallions sprinkled with salt and grilled whole. These are served with lime juice, cheese, and rice alongside "asado" dishes.

鶴亀堂 博多ネギバカチャーシュー
鶴亀堂 博多ネギバカチャーシュー

In Japan, they serve as a common topping for dishes like ramen. In Nepal, they are used as fillings for meat dishes like "momo" and "choyla."

Scallions even hold importance in religious and medicinal practices. During a Passover Seder, Afghan and Persian Jews use scallions in a symbolic way. They strike one another with the vegetable to re-enact the whipping of the Hebrews in ancient Egypt. In Vietnam, a rice porridge called "cháo hành" uses Welsh onions. This porridge is traditionally used as a treatment for the common cold. In the Philippines, they are ground with ginger and chili to make "wet palapa." This condiment can be used to spice food or served as a topping for sun-dried items.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Germinating scallion.jpg
Germinating scallion.jpg
File:2010-06-19-supermarkt-by-RalfR-32.jpg
2010-06-19-supermarkt-by-RalfR-32.jpg
File:Chopped scallions.jpg
Chopped scallions.jpg
File:Haemul-pajeon 3.jpg
Haemul-pajeon 3.jpg
File:鶴亀堂 博多ネギバカチャーシュー.jpg
鶴亀堂 博多ネギバカチャーシュー.jpg
File:Champ with pork and gravy (cropped).jpg
Champ with pork and gravy (cropped).jpg
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