What is the difference between green onions and scallions

The bulb of a spring onion is much larger , compared to the small, not-so-bulbous scallion. The bulb of a spring onion actually looks like a mini onion, spherical and bright white. Olive oil-roasted spring onions make a crazy-simple side dish. Most scallions and green onions never grow true bulbs. The ends of the stalks stay small. Spring onions on the other hand are a different species that do produce bulbs once they mature.

In terms of flavor, scallions have the sharp, somewhat-spicy, peppery flavor that white and yellow onions produce. This makes them a nice substitute for small amounts of chopped onions, in a pinch. Spring onions, on the other hand, possess a lot more sweetness , which makes them a good stand-in for sweet onions. So how do we use them? Both the leaves and bulb of these onions are edible and have a mild, gentle flavor compared to regular onions.

This article clears up the confusion and details the differences between scallions, green onions and spring onions. As a general rule of thumb, the white bulb of a scallion will be about the same width as the stem and leaves of the plant. Green onions, which are a little older, have a slightly wider white bulb at the bottom. This bulb is usually wider than the leaves and ovular in shape, not round. Scallions are young green onions. Spring onions are usually planted at the end of summer so that they grow over winter , ready for harvesting in the spring.

You can identify a spring onion by the small, round, white bulb at its base. While it appears similar to scallions and green onions, its rounded bulb gives it away. Spring onions are also slightly stronger in flavor than scallions and green onions due to their maturity. However, they still have a gentler flavor than regular onions, which have been left in the ground much longer and grow much larger. Spring onions are older than scallions and green onions.

Because they have been left to grow longer, their bulb is more developed and rounded. However, some people consider true scallions and green onions to come from a particular type of allium plant, the Allium fistulosum species. 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 grams 1. They also contain micronutrients, including folate and vitamins K and C. These onions also boast beneficial antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds 2.

Young onions such as scallions, green onions and spring onions are low in calories and contain some fiber, carbs and beneficial plant compounds. 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.

They are also a delicious addition to soft cheeses, and can be stirred into soft butter as an alternative to garlic butter. Cook only briefly, and serve immediately, or the flavor will be lost. Chive flowers are beautiful, flavorful, and often overlooked in cooking.

Simply pull the flower petals off of the stems and sprinkle them onto your dish. Chive flowers have a slightly milder taste than the chive greens and add lovely color.

When buying chives, look for plump, uniformly green stems with no brown spots or signs of wilting. When buying green onions and scallions, choose those with crisp, bright green tops and a firm white base. To store, wrap the roots in a slightly damp not wet paper towel, and put the rest into a loose plastic bag.