Scallions: A Versatile & Tasty Addition to Your Kitchen

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What are Scallions?

Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are a type of onion that have a long, thin green stalk and a small white bulb. They are a member of the allium family, which also includes onions, garlic, and leeks.

Where Do Scallions Come From?

Scallions are believed to have originated in the Middle East and Asia. This is due to evidence of written text from ancient Chinese scholars about scallions over 2,000 years ago. These tasty alliums have been cultivated for thousands of years and have since become a staple in kitchens all around the world. Whether you’re in the US, Canada, or the UK, you can find scallions at your local grocery store. They are widely grown and consumed globally, but it all started in the Middle East and Asia.

Green Onions Vs. Scallions: Are They Different?

Green Onions and Scallions are often used interchangeably but in fact, they are the exact same thing. That’s it, there is no difference at all beyond the name.

A source of confusion comes from outside the United States. Green Onions are called Spring Onions in other English speaking countries, like Canada, the UK and others. This is the main reason why they are often thought to be different. The general confusion has percolated throughout the United States and both can be used interchangeably at this point.

Taste and Uses

Scallions have a milder flavor than mature onions, with a slightly sweet and tangy taste. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are a popular addition to salads, soups, stir-fries, and sandwiches. They can also be used as a garnish or as a seasoning for various dishes.

Health & Nutritional Benefits

Scallions are not just a tasty addition to your dishes, but they are also packed with essential nutrients that are great for you. Just one cup of scallions packs a load of nutrition. You’ll get 32 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 2% of your daily value of Vitamin C, 19% for Vitamin A, and a good amount of Vitamin K, Iron, Calcium, and Folate. And, as a bonus, you’ll also get 2.6 grams of fiber and a low 2.3 grams of sugar. They also contain antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects. So, not only do they add a boost of flavor to your dishes, but they also fuel your body with essential vitamins and minerals.

Storage and Selection

  • When selecting scallions, look for firm, straight stalks with bright green tops.
  • Avoid scallions that have wilted or yellowed leaves.
  • To store scallions, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week.
  • For maximum flavor, it is recommended to use fresh scallions instead of dried ones, to give a boost of flavor to your dishes.

Scallions are not just a standalone allium. They are closely related to a few other delicious and versatile ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s introduce you to their relatives: chives, leeks, shallots, and garlic.

Now, you might be thinking “these all don’t look alike, how are they related?” Well, let me tell you, they all belong to the same allium family.

Chives, for instance, have a similar taste and texture to scallions, and are often used as a garnish or a seasoning. These make for a great substitute if you do not have scallions on hand.

Leeks, on the other hand, have a milder and sweeter taste, they are used mostly in soups, stews and are an essential ingredient in a traditional French dish called Pot-au-Feu. These are larger than chives and scallions and are very similar making them a good substitute for scallions.

Shallots, have a similar taste to onions but with a slightly sweeter and milder flavor and are perfect for dressings, sauces and marinades. These also make for a decent substitute to scallions but using them raw is not recommended.

And last but not least, Garlic. The king of alliums and the gem in this website’s logo, has a strong, pungent flavor and is used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to marinades and dressings. These are more so to compliment scallions than to substitute them.

So, next time you’re using scallions in your cooking, consider experimenting with some of their relatives. They might just become your new go-to ingredients.


Scallions are a versatile and tasty addition to any kitchen. They are easy to use, healthy and can be used in a variety of dishes. Next time you’re at the grocery store, consider picking up a bunch of scallions and experimenting with them in your cooking.


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