what is the difference between scallions and onions

The main difference between onion and scallion is that the onion has a larger bulb while the scallion has a smaller bulb. The taste of onion is sharp and strong while the taste of scallion is milder. They belong to the same genus Allium

but are different species.

Full Answer

Can you use onions in place of scallions?

Yes, onions can substitute scallions and vice versa. The flavor of the onion is much stronger, so you’ll want to use about half. Scallions are more citric and slightly sweet but can make for a good addition to dishes that normally contain onions. Why do chefs use shallots instead of onions?

Are bunching onions the same as scallions?

But the short answer is: For all intents and purposes they are the same thing. Here's the nerdy answer in case you're interested: Scallions are a part of the genus and species Allium fistulosum, which is also referred to as the Japanese bunching onion. This specific species of onion doesn't form a bulb.

Are scallions the same as spring onions?

Scallions are sometimes mistakenly called spring onions, but they are not the same thing—spring onions have a larger, more bulbous white base. What Do Scallions Taste Like? Both the white and green...

Are green onions the same as scallions?

The bottom line is, green onions and scallions are exactly the same, says Juliet Glass, director of communications at FRESHFARM, a non-profit that operates producer-only farmers’ markets in the Mid-Atlantic region. Spring onions, on the other hand, are slightly different, but “similar enough” to use them interchangeably if necessary, she says.

Scallions Are Younger Than Green Onions

The difference between scallions and green onions is simply their age.

Spring Onions Are Older Than Both Green Onions and Scallions

Spring onions are usually planted at the end of summer so that they grow over winter, ready for harvesting in the spring.

Do Green Onions and Scallions Come From the Same Plant?

All immature onions have the same hollow, long green leaves and small whitish bulbs.

Nutrition Facts

Young onions such as scallions, green onions and spring onions are very low in calories and contain only around 5 calories per medium onion, or 32 calories per 100 grams ( 1 ).

How to Cook With Scallions, Green Onions and Spring Onions

While green onions and scallions are classified predominantly by age, things can get confusing, as people often use these terms interchangeably to describe any young onion.

The Bottom Line

The difference between scallions, green onions and spring onions is age or the time they grow before being harvested.

What Are Scallions?

Scallions are young onions that have not formed a bulb onion yet as mature onions.

Scallions vs Green Onions

Yes, scallions are also called green onions and are the same thing with different names.

Do Green Onions and Scallions Look Like?

Made of layers growing around each other tightly together creating a stalk that has a white base and root, possessing a stronger flavor.

Health Benefits of Green Onions and Scallions

Loads of fiber, and antioxidants, scallions are also jam packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Can You Plant your Own Green Onions?

These are such easy plants to grow and keep fresh in your garden or container in your kitchen.

What Parts of the Scallion are Edible?

The whole of the scallion is edible, from tip to tip with just the very end of the root cut off.

How to Cut Scallions

The best way to cut scallions vs green onions in order not to bruise and break the delicate leaves is to slice, not chop them.

Knowing the difference between scallions vs green onions vs chives can bring bold, new flavor to your favorite dishes

Knowing the difference between scallions vs green onions vs chives can bring bold, new flavor to your favorite dishes.

Chinese Green Onion Pancake Beef Rolls

This is a favorite in our household, and it's perfect for using up leftover roast beef. The green onion cake dough is easy to make and cooks quickly. Then just reheat the sliced beef in a frying pan with a sweet and savory sauce. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers

There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington

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Now a freelance health and food writer, Carrie worked as a nurse for over a decade. When she isn't hunched over her laptop with a baby in hand, you will find her cooking her grandmother’s recipes, lacing up her running shoes or sipping coffee in the bathroom to hide from her three young children.

Ways of Describing and Discussing Onion Varieties

We sometimes refer to onions by color, as white onions, yellow or brown onions, and red or purple onions. However, these designations describe more than just the shade of the onion. Yellow onions are the most common and the best for caramelizing due to their mellow flavor.

Bulb Onions (Allium cepa L.)

Bulb onions are also sometimes called garden onions or may be referred to by their color, as white onions, yellow onions, and red or purple onions. Bulb onions grow for one season and are harvested before the next, when they would otherwise bolt or flower and go to seed.

Sweet Onions

Yellow onions are sometimes called sweet onions, though true sweet onions are only available at the end of summer stretching into fall.

Vidalia Onions

Some people call all sweet onions Vidalias, although by federal order, the only ones that can really be called Vidalias are a certain type of sweet onion grown in Georgia. Vidalia onions include the varieties Texas Early Grano and Yellow Granex. All Vidalia onions are yellow.

Spanish Onions

Spanish onions can be either yellow or red. These onion varieties are known for their large size and mild, sweet flavor. You’ll see them most often sliced raw and served on sandwiches, in salads, or to garnish a dish. We’ve listed some common Spanish onion types below.

Cipollini Onions

Cipollini onions are an Italian variety that have a distinctive flat shape and small size—about equal to a golf ball. Once solely the domain of fine dining or gourmet food stores, they’re becoming more widely available all the time. These onions can be either red, white, or yellow, and they’re known for their sweetness.

Pickling Onions

Some onions are named after how they’re used. For example, pickling onions are varieties proven to be good for pickling. That means they need to be small, so pickling onions are often pearl onions, Chinese onions, or potato onions, too. A list follows of common pickling onion varieties.

Scallions vs Shallots: The differences

One of the main differences between scallions and shallots is their appearance. Both have a unique look which is useful for knowing which one is which.

The best method to cook scallions and shallots

As with shallots, scallions can be cooked or served raw. The raw variety is usually served as a garnish for soups, salads, and cooked meats, or fish. You can get delicious results if you grill, roast, or sauté scallions.

Shallots

Shallots are extremely delicious when caramelized and combined with other foods. You can roast shallots or braise them whole.

Nutrition and health benefits

There are a wide variety of health benefits from eating foods from the allium family.

Can you substitute scallions for shallots and vice versa in recipes?

As we have stated, both vegetables are similar but that doesn’t mean they can be swapped in all recipes. Their distinct flavors and textures are not always interchangeable as ingredients for dishes.

Scallions vs Shallots: Which one is healthier?

You should include both scallions and shallots in your diet as regularly as possible to benefit from their positive impacts on your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can! Shallots have a deep flavor with notes of garlic, but they aren’t as strong as onions. This makes them a great substitute for scallions. When roasted or fried, they also release a sweet flavor. They are also extremely versatile and can be diced, chopped, and sliced.