Green Onions vs. Scallions: What's the Difference?

Introduction

While the terms 'green onions' and 'scallions' are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between them. Understanding these distinctions can enhance your culinary abilities and supermarket shopping experience.

What Are Green Onions?

Green onions, also known as spring onions, are the immature growing shoots of onions. This includes the green tops and the white bulb part of the plant. They are widely available and commonly used in a variety of dishes, especially in Asian cuisine. Green onions are suitable for both cooking and raw use, adding a fresh, pungent flavor to dishes.

What Are Scallions?

Scallions, on the other hand, are a variety of green onions that do not form a bulb. They belong to the same species as regular onions but have a milder flavor and are typically harvested before the bulb starts to develop. These green onions are elongated, with long, conical green leaves and a white or light-colored base, indicating their edible bulb part, although it is notably smaller and more delicate than that of a bulbous onion.

Key Differences: Bulb Formation

The main difference between green onions and scallions lies in whether or not the onion forms a bulb. While all scallions are indeed green onions, not all green onions are scallions. In other words, if an onion has begun to develop a bulb, it can no longer be considered a scallion.

Scientific Classification

Both green onions and scallions belong to the Allium genus, which includes a wide range of bulbous and non-bulbous plants. Specifically, they are varieties of different species within the Allium cepa family.

Welsh Onions vs. Globe Onions

Two distinct species of the onion family, Welsh onions and globe onions, are commonly called scallions.

Welsh Onions

No bulb formation regardless of size and space allowed. Several varieties are grown for sale as scallions. Avoids forming a bulb under any conditions.

Globe Onions

Form bulbs when they reach a sufficient size and have space to grow laterally. Seeds are sown densely and thinned to a specific spacing. Those not selected for bulb harvest are sold as scallions. Bulb formation is selective, with every other plant culled for scallion sale.

Tasting Notes

The taste of both Welsh and culled globe onions is indistinguishable as scallion. The primary difference is visual, with scallions lacking a discernible bulge, and only a budding bulb for culled globe onions. Scallions have a milder flavor, making them ideal for those who prefer a gentler onion taste in their dishes.

Conclusion

In summary, the primary difference between green onions and scallions is the bulb formation. Understanding this distinction can help you choose the right type of onion for your culinary needs. Green onions offer the full bulb, while scallions provide a milder, non-bulbous, and elongated version best suited for a variety of recipes.

Additional Resources

For more information on cooking with green onions and scallions, consider checking out these helpful resources:

Cooking With Green Onions and Scallions: Tips and Recipes The Ultimate Guide to Scallions How to Properly Store Green Onions and Scallions