Shallot

Also known asBawang Merah · Eschalot · Allium cepa var. aggregatum · 红葱头

Name: Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) — a small, elongated, copper-skinned onion that grows in clusters, with a delicate, sweet, subtle flavour with a hint of garlic. The French grey shallot (griselle) and the larger Dutch types are popular.

Description

Shallots are thought to have originated in central or south-western Asia, and were long grown in the Mediterranean, with the name said to derive from the ancient Palestinian port of Ashkelon. They are a cornerstone of French cooking and also important in Southeast Asian cuisine, where fried shallots are a common crispy topping.

Shallots grow in clusters of small bulbs, rather than a single large bulb, and their flavour is more refined than common onions, which is why they are preferred in vinaigrettes, delicate sauces and when eaten raw. They are also more expensive.

Main nutrition value

Shallots provide vitamin B6, manganese, potassium and some vitamin C, and are a good source of antioxidants such as quercetin.

How best to be consumed

Shallots are a refined alternative to onion in fine cooking.

1. Mince finely into vinaigrettes, mignonette sauce and raw dishes.
2. Sauté gently as the base for sauces, such as béarnaise and red wine sauces.
3. Fry thin slices until crisp for a topping on noodles, curries and salads.
4. Roast whole shallots until soft and caramelised.
5. Use roughly three small shallots in place of one medium onion.

Overconsumption could cause…

Shallots are safe in food amounts for people, but toxic to pets.

1. Bloating, gas or heartburn, since alliums contain fermentable carbohydrates (fructans) that bother many people with IBS.
2. Allergic reactions or skin irritation in a small number of people sensitive to alliums.
3. Heartburn or reflux in some people from raw shallots.
4. Poisoning of dogs and cats, for whom shallots are toxic.

GroupsAllium VegetablesAllium (onion family)Low fatLow sodiumFresh

Related foodsRed OnionOnionYellow OnionWhite OnionWelsh OnionSpring Onion / Scallion

Wikipedia — Shallot, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shallot