Shallots: photo, description, cultivation and care, difference from onions, use in cooking

• August 24, 2018
• Vegetables
• Olga Simchenko

Shallots, the photo of which helps to recognize this vegetable crop, are very close in their properties and cultivation characteristics to onions. It differs only in its strong branching, smaller heads and much better preservation.

Shallots (another name for them are Ashkelon) are grown primarily for their greens, which are very juicy, tender and contain many vitamins. It is distinguished by its precocity.

Bow feature

Shallot (the photo perfectly illustrates how it looks in cross-section) is a perennial plant of the Allium family, native to Asia Minor. People often call it kushchevka, since during its growth it forms 5-15 heads.

The plant is biennial. In the first year, 5 small onions are formed on it, and in the second year of cultivation they become 2 times larger. The drop-shaped cloves weigh no more than 50 g and are shaped like garlic cloves.

Onion is a plant with delicate, thin and fragrant leaves. They reach 20-45 cm in length, have a waxy sheen and do not become rough for a very long time during the growth process. Knowing what shallots look like, it is impossible to confuse this plant with other varieties when choosing it for planting.

It is very popular due to its low calorie content and is a very good dietary product. This onion is perfect for those who monitor their health and are on a diet. However, despite this, it has a high energy value.

Homeland of shallots and origin and what it looks like

This type of onion is better known among us under the name “family”. Although it is called differently in different parts of the world. You can find the following names: Ashkelon, magpietooth, multilobed, etc.

The Mediterranean region is considered to be the birthplace of shallots, although some botanists determine the place of origin of this vegetable in Palestine, in the vicinity of the ancient city of Ashkelon.

Shallots are several small onions fused together. Hence, by the way, the name “family”. The bulbs themselves are slightly oblong, red-brown in color. In the first year there are usually about 5 of them, but later the number of bulbs increases. After several years of cultivation, a family of several dozen bulbs can gather in one hole.

What varieties are there?

Many gardeners are interested in what shallots look like, what types there are, and how to grow them correctly. He has a lot of varieties. Basically, they are all regional and bred from local cultures under certain climatic conditions. Among the most popular varieties, the following should be highlighted:

• "Kuban yellow";
• "Belozerets";
• "kunak";
• "Berezovsky aristocrat";
• "strong";
• "Sir-7".

The “Kuban yellow” variety belongs to the semi-sharp, mid-early variety. It is drought resistant. The bulb is quite dense, rounded-flat, with 3-4 rudiments. The total weight of slices from one bush is 65-100 g.

The “kunak” variety is mid-season and its growing season is 90-100 days. It has dry, yellow scales with a somewhat brownish tint. Its shelf life is high and its taste is sharp.

The Belozerets-94 variety is an early ripening variety. Its growing season is only 85 days. The total weight of the bulbs from one bush is 100-120 g. Its individual heads are oval in shape and quite dense. They are dark lilac in color. This variety is very productive.

The “Sir-7” variety is early ripening. The bulbs have a pungent taste, a rounded flat shape, and their weight is 20-40 g. The color of the scales is golden yellow, with a slight pinkish tint. There are 4-7 bulbs in one bush. It has very good keeping quality.

The shallot plant of the “Berezovsky aristocrat” variety is classified as mid-season. Its lobules have a wide elliptical shape. They are quite large, approximately 60 g, and there are 5-7 pieces in a bush. The outer scales are dark yellow with a brownish tint, and the inside is white. Its taste is semi-sharp.

The “strong” variety belongs to the mid-late variety. It is recommended to grow it through sets. Its bulbs are small, round, 4-6 pieces per bush. The outer scales are dry, pink, and the inner ones are quite juicy and reddish.

Varieties of shallots suitable for growing in Russian gardens

Let's look at the three most popular varieties of shallots used in Russia, and start with the one that appears in the title of our article

Variety No. 1 – “Delicacy”

This varietal variety is a record holder for ripening speed. Already about 25 days after planting the seeds in the ground, the bulbs are ready to give you a juicy green feather.

In the second year of planting, already using sets, “Delicacy” forms pinkish-brown bulbs, very large. Thus, the weight of one head can reach 500 grams, respectively, each segment will weigh approximately 130 grams.

Variety "Delicacy"

Variety No. 2 – “Vitamin”

Another early ripening variety, it produces feathers 25-30 days after planting from seeds. One family can even form 10 onions, the weight of each of which will reach approximately 30-35 grams. The color of the scales is golden, the taste is rich.

Variety "Vitamin"

Variety No. 3 – “Family”

One onion family of this variety can be formed by approximately 2-4 onions, each of which will weigh approximately 25 grams. The color of the membranes and scales of the onion will be purple, while the flesh is traditionally white. This variety of onion is almost nothing more, for which it is used with pleasure throughout Russia.

Variety "Family"

Difference from onion

Many people are interested in the difference between shallots and onions and how to recognize them. There are more similarities between them than differences. Similar features include the fact that they have a dense, fleshy bulb, the weight of which is 15-40 g. The green, hollow leaves have a slight bluish coating. They also have similar requirements for agricultural technology, as well as a 2-year growing season.

However, there are certain differences. Shallots are a more winter-hardy crop. It can withstand frosts down to 4-5 degrees and ripens a little earlier than onion. It grows in bushes that can have up to 20 heads. They have a round or oval-cylindrical shape.

The pulp of the bulbs is very juicy, soft and sugary in taste. Shallots are completely unpretentious to storage conditions. It has good shelf life, even at room temperature. In the section, instead of the characteristic concentric rings, several zones with rudiments are clearly visible. You can verify this by looking at the photo of shallots. It is worth noting that the varieties of this culture differ in color and taste. In the southern regions, purple or pink bulbs with sweet flesh predominate. The further north the growing region, the lighter and spicier the shallots.

Growing shallots from seeds through seedlings in one season

It’s not always possible to find a shallot variety that you want to grow at home. You can propagate your favorite varieties through seedlings by planting nigella seeds at home. You can buy any variety you like on sale and propagate it by sowing seeds for seedlings. Moreover, early ripening varieties can be grown from seeds to full-fledged bulbs in just one season. Of course, in this case the seeds are sown already in February. But by planting the seeds later, in one season you can grow a seedling, which is planted in the ground the next year and you get a full harvest by the end of summer.

Growing shallots from seeds is no different from ordinary onions. Watch the video to see how this is done.

Just like onion varieties, shallots can be planted before winter. Don't be alarmed, onions will not freeze, because they are a cold-resistant crop. But this method has many advantages and next year you will get a good and earlier harvest.

Dear readers, I hope that in this article you have found all the recommendations for growing shallots. By following them, planting and caring for it will not seem difficult to you and you will have a wonderful harvest, which will be enough for food and for planting next year.

Have a good harvest!

Benefits and harms

Experts have long determined what benefits Ashkelon onion brings to the body. Nutritionists say that this product is more dietary than the usual representative. It contains approximately 2 times more vitamins and sugars, but slightly less essential oils. Despite its high calorie content, it is recommended to be consumed even by overweight people.

This onion is not only a food product, but also a very good medicine. In folk medicine, its juice is used to treat colds, diseases of the digestive system and visual organs. In addition, it promotes wound healing and elimination of the inflammatory process.

However, it is worth noting that despite all the beneficial qualities of this product, shallots can still cause some harm. It is not recommended to consume it for people with liver, pancreas and kidney diseases. In addition, constipation and chronic bronchitis are considered contraindications.

Botanical description and origin

Shallots are a perennial crop of the Onion family. It has another name - Ashkelon onion. This is a low-growing plant with a very branching stem. The foliage is palmate, pale green. One bulb produces up to 35 leaves. The size of the root crops is average, large specimens are rarely observed. The onion is oval-shaped, the husk can be either white, pink, or purple. The harvest is well stored and transported. The main advantages include early ripening, productivity, and keeping quality.

The birthplace of the culture is Ethiopia, where shallots were grown on a huge scale. It was first mentioned in the works of Theophrastus (372-284 BC).

How to land

Growing shallots is quite simple and can be cultivated in a variety of ways. Often, summer residents on their plots prefer planting this plant in the soil. This can be done in spring or autumn, it all depends on the purposes of cultivating the crop.

You can also sow shallot seeds to produce mature bulbs at the end of the season. In this case, the planting material does not need to be deepened too much. The seeds are slightly covered with fertile soil and then cultivated using standard technology. This is done to update the planting material.

Depending on the region, seeds are sown in autumn or spring. Planting in winter is carried out only in the south. Despite the fact that the crop is characterized by increased frost resistance and tolerates low temperatures well, seed germination is not very high, and harsh winters can reduce it even further.

When planting shallots, you must choose the right location. Like any other vegetable crop, it prefers cultivated soils that contain enough nutrients and moisture. The plant is not too picky about the type of soil, however, its acidity and composition are very important. It is best to grow shallots on light sandy loam soils and loams. They should contain a lot of organic substances and other mineral additives, with neutral acidity levels.

To successfully grow this garden crop, the site should be prepared in the summer. You need to choose a well-lit place. It is not recommended to plant it in the same beds for several years in a row, as this promotes pest damage and the development of diseases, which has a bad effect on the harvest.

Autumn planting begins with the preparation of planting material. Initially, the shallot sets are inspected and calibrated. Then the pest-affected and diseased segments are removed. It is best to select medium-sized ones, as they will give the largest harvest, and those that are smaller can be left for feathering.

Disinfect selected bulbs in a solution of potassium permanganate, fungicides or copper sulfate. Then you need to dry them well. Planting occurs in October, approximately 1-2 weeks before the cold snap sets in. During this time, the segments will have time to grow small roots, but will not send out feathers. This will allow them to survive the winter cold normally.

When planting shallots, you need to leave 20-30 cm between the rows, and 5-15 cm between the bulbs. You need to deepen the planting material by 2-3 cm of soil. After planting, the bulbs need to be covered with peat or covered with fertile soil.

Beginning gardeners would do well to know how to plant shallots in the spring to ensure a good harvest. For this purpose, it is advisable to place it in the soil in March or April, when the top layer of soil warms up to 5-10 degrees. With this method of cultivation, the same planting scheme is used as for the winter.

Description of shallots

Early ripening shallots are a biennial plant, the mention of which dates back to the 3rd century BC. These days it is especially popular in France and is beginning to actively occupy more space on the shelves of different countries around the world. Plant characteristics that all gardeners should know about are presented in the table below:

The secrets of shallots are described in the following video:

Growing and care

After planting onions, you need to follow certain rules for growing and caring for them. Before the first shoots appear, you don’t need to do anything, not even water. After the first moistening, the soil is mulched with mowed grass. The watering schedule is once a week. You will need 20 liters of water per 1 m2. Watering is carried out at least 3 times per season. It is better to water rarely, but quite abundantly. It is undesirable to allow water to stagnate.

The soil needs to be loosened 1-2 times a week and weeds removed in a timely manner. To grow larger onions, you need to thin out the seedlings a little at the beginning of July. This will give neighboring plants more nutrients and more space to grow. There is no need to water or fertilize, since instead of growing the bulb, the shallots will continue to strengthen the leaves. The arrows must be removed upon reaching a height of 10 cm.

The first feeding is carried out approximately 2 weeks after germination of most of the bulbs. To do this, you need to use mullein and bird droppings, which must be diluted with water 1:10. Fertilizer must be applied 1 bucket per 1 m2. If it is not possible to fertilize with organic means, then you can use superphosphate and saltpeter. The second enrichment procedure is carried out during the formation of the bulbs and potassium chloride or superphosphate is used for this. From the beginning of July you need to stop fertilizing and watering.

Specifics of cultivation

Family onions are planted on both feathers and turnips. It differs from traditional onions in its very high frost resistance and short growing season. Fresh greens are ready to eat approximately 3 weeks after planting, and the bulbs take about 2 months to ripen.

Benefits also include:

• friendly lodging of leaves, which occurs before the onset of seasonal outbreaks of peronosporosis and other diseases;
• exceptional keeping quality of the bulbs, which can be stored for up to 2-3 years without loss of commercial and consumer qualities. Unlike onions, shallots do not dry out, do not sprout, do not rot, they remain tasty and capable of further growing season even after complete freezing (one time);
• high yield when forcing greens and obtaining turnips due to the formation of “nests”. The mass of the bulbs in each of them averages 200-300 g.

The productivity of shallots depends on the varietal characteristics, soil and climatic conditions and the agricultural technology used

Like other onions, shallots are light- and moisture-loving, and demanding of soil fertility. He needs to allocate a flat, well-lit place on the site, freed up after harvesting potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, legumes, pumpkin or cereal crops. It is recommended to dig up and enrich the soil by adding mature organic matter (humus or compost at the rate of 3-5 kg ​​per 1 m2) and mineral phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (superphosphate 1 tsp, wood ash 1 cup per 1 m2). If the soil is highly acidic, alkalization should be carried out using dolomite flour, slaked lime or chalk - in acidic soil, shallot leaves will turn yellow early and the bulbs will turn out small. In areas with high groundwater levels, it is advisable to prepare raised beds for onions. An experienced gardener tells how to do this in the following video:

Before planting, the bulbs must be carefully examined, removing all suspicious ones, and sorted by size. They are planted in a row, small ones with an interval of 8-10 cm, medium ones - 15-20 cm and large ones - 20-30 cm from each other. Make a distance of 30-40 cm between the rows to prevent thickening, which leads to smaller turnips and contributes to the development of fungal diseases.

Prepared furrows 5-6 cm deep are shed generously with water and the heads are placed so that the layer of soil above them is 2-3 cm thick. To speed up the regrowth of greenery, some vegetable growers cut off the tops of the bulbs and peel them, but this leads to a decrease in yield.

Landing dates

Early spring planting is considered optimal for shallots . In some regions it is planted even during the February thaw “windows”, but basically this work is carried out at the end of March - April. To form bulbs, the plant requires long daylight hours (14-16 hours). With a sufficient amount of moisture in the soil, warmed up to 8...15 ℃, shallots quickly take root and sprout in 12-14 days. Warmer temperatures stimulate leaf growth, but roots grow poorly and do not provide the necessary amount of water and nutrients. This leads to poor ripening of the bulbs and the formation of unmarketable “thick necks”.

Planting material is sorted by size and, for disinfection, soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or some fungicidal preparation for 10-30 minutes

Autumn planting is advisable in the southern regions and where large amounts of snow fall in winter. It is usually carried out from the third ten days of September to mid-October. At the same time, the issues of storing planting material disappear, and plants that have taken root in the fall receive a large supply of moisture in the spring and produce an earlier harvest of greenery (at the beginning of summer) and bulbs, which are 8-12 days ahead of spring ones in ripening.

For pre-winter planting, varieties with a high (at least 20%) dry matter content that are resistant to bolting are recommended, for example, “Albik”, “Andreika”, “Garant”, “Debut”, “Nafanya”, “Siberian Yellow”, “Syr” 7”, “Sophocles”, “Spartak”, “Ural 40”, “Ural red” and purple, “Chelyabinsk pink” and some others.

Plant care

Shallot responds well to standard agricultural practices. Watering is required mainly at the initial stage of active growth and during dry periods.

Timely watering is especially important at the time of mass emergence of seedlings in dry and hot weather

fertilizing with slurry (1:10) or infusion of chicken manure (1:15 or 1:20) in early to mid-June You can also use ready-made mineral complexes (30-40 g per 10 liters of water). After fertilizing, the plants need to be watered abundantly.

The soil between the rows is mulched or loosened throughout the entire growing season to ensure access of oxygen to the roots and prevent the development of onion fly larvae. To prevent common diseases and control pests, onion beds need to be weeded, clearing them of weeds, and, if necessary, treated with fungicidal preparations, for example, Mikosan-V, Pentafag-S, Quadris.

Flower shoots that are not intended to produce seeds must be broken off immediately after appearance (while they are less than 10 cm) at the level of exit from the leaf axil.

At the stage of isolating the bulbs in the “nest”, around the beginning of July, it is recommended to carry out rationing , keeping 3-4 shoots and completely removing the rest. This way, ripening turnips will receive additional feeding area, more intense lighting and, naturally, will grow larger. Greens, torn out along with the bulbs, are used for current consumption or processing (drying, freezing). After thinning, the plants are no longer watered or fed - excess moisture and excess nitrogen lead to worse ripening of the heads and a decrease in their keeping quality.

Harvesting and storage

Harvesting of shallots begins 3-7 days after the leaves have fallen together. For early varieties this occurs around the beginning of July, and for medium varieties - in the third decade. It is better not to delay the harvesting time, as the onions may begin to sprout again. The bulbs removed from the ground are left for several days to ripen in the beds (in dry weather) or in a well-ventilated area. Then the dried leaves are torn off or braided into braids, which are conveniently stored hanging.

Well-dried shallots (pictured) can be stored for over a year at home.

It is better to keep the harvest intended for consumption in the cold (at temperatures from 0 to +5 ... 10 ℃) and low humidity (60-70%). Bulbs selected for spring planting are recommended to be stored in a dark and warm (+18…25 ℃) place.

Practice shows that when cultivating shallots in summer cottages, you can regularly obtain yields that are twice the consumption of planting material.

Diseases and pests

Onions can be affected by various diseases and pests. Fungal infections include powdery mildew, neck rot, and fusarium wilt. In addition, the beds may suffer from flies and onion nematodes. In particularly hot weather, feathers are often parasitized by aphids.

The best way to combat them is to use pesticides. It is important to remember here that there are certain restrictions on the consumption of bulbs and greens in food. If the situation is not too advanced, then you can use folk remedies.

To prevent the appearance of pests and diseases, it is necessary to strictly observe crop rotation and replace old planting material in a timely manner. In addition, you need to refuse to plant suspicious and diseased bulbs in the beds.

Shallots should not be placed next to other types of this crop, since they have the same diseases and pests, which gradually accumulate and overwinter in the soil.

Brief description of cultivation

1. Landing . In order to get greens in May, shallots are planted in open soil in March–April. And so that there is greenery already in April, they resort to winter sowing, which is carried out in mid-October.
2. Illumination . Needs plenty of bright sunshine.
3. Soil . The soil should be nutritious, loose, neutral and moderately moist. Humus loamy or humus-sandy soil is best suited.
4. Watering . During the growing season, the bushes are watered at least 3 times. When there are 30 days left before harvest, all watering should be stopped. During a long dry period, shallots should be watered once every 7 days.
5. Fertilizer . Mineral fertilizers and organic matter are used for fertilizing. 4 weeks before harvesting, they stop feeding onions.
6. Reproduction . Shallots are grown from seeds and also propagated by sets (vegetatively).
7. Harmful insects . Onion flies.
8. Diseases . Powdery mildew, downy mildew, fusarium wilt and neck rot.
9. Properties . This medicinal plant belongs to dietary products.

Harvesting and storage

You definitely need to know when to remove shallots from the garden and how to do it correctly. Harvest usually begins in July. You can dig up a plant from the garden when most of the greenery on the bushes has dried out. There is no point in keeping shallot bulbs in the ground, as they can easily germinate again. You need to dig up the heads sown with seeds in the winter a little later and this is done around August or September.

Harvesting onions is not particularly difficult. The bushes are carefully dug up with a pitchfork or shovel, then taken out of the ground and disassembled into individual fruits. The harvested crop is well dried in the sun or under a canopy. Then the tops are cut so that a small neck remains, about 2-3 cm. Large bulbs can be braided.

Shallots should be stored at home like regular onions. It is placed in small boxes made of plastic or wood. You need to keep the harvest in the basement, cellar, or on the balcony. Shallots braided in braids last especially long.

Planting shallots

The prepared planting material must be planted in moist soil, adhering to the following scheme:

• distance between rows – 30-40 cm;
• the distance between the bulbs in a row is 20-30 cm;
• the distance between seeds in a row is 8-10 cm;
• the depth of planting the bulbs is 2-3 cm (if planted deeper, the growth of greenery will be delayed and the yield of the variety will decrease, and if they are planted at a shallower depth, the bulbs will stick out from under the ground);
• the depth of seed placement is 11-13 cm with the bottom down (however, in the southern regions you should not deepen the shallots deeper than 10 m, since planting too deeply will increase the harvest time).

After planting, the bulbs need to be sprinkled with soil mixed with wood ash (3:1) and watered. The planting should also be mulched - covered with a layer of peat or humus 3.5 to 4 cm thick. If onions are planted in the fall, then the beds can be covered with spruce branches, which will need to be removed in early spring.

If the seedlings are not additionally protected from the cold, they can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C. At lower rates, crop yields can be reduced by 3 times.

How to plant and grow shallots is clearly shown and explained in the video below:

Breeding rules

When growing and propagating shallots, certain features must be taken into account. If you plant it for several years in a row in the same place, the quantity and quality of the harvest begins to decrease. When growing shallots in irrigated areas, they begin to degenerate after 20-25 years.

It is very important to periodically update planting material. To do this, it is recommended to resort to propagation by seeds. When planting shallots in the spring, 7-12% of the plants shoot, and when planting in the fall - about half or even more. Seeds are formed on a crop whose bulb mass reaches at least 60 g. Such plants can already form more than 4 arrows. It is worth noting that the seeds of shallots are somewhat smaller than those of regular onions.

When planting shallots, you need to take into account the fact that they can quite easily interbreed with regular onions, which is why it is recommended to place them separately. Legumes are considered the best predecessors. Shallots can be planted in the same area no earlier than after 3-4 years.

To obtain seeds, the bulbs need to be immersed in the soil in the second half of November. This area must be kept away from the seeds of other onion varieties.

If you pay attention to the photo of shallots below, you can see how interesting the culture is being formed. Thanks to this structure of the bush, a fairly decent harvest grows from a small handful of seeds.

Beneficial features

The chemical composition of shallots is very similar to onions, despite obvious external differences in the formation of the bulbs and the principles of cultivation. Compared to its garden “competitor,” it contains more sugar (3-4%), ascorbic acid (64.5 mg) and minerals. The list of microelements is also quite impressive: chromium, titanium, potassium, silicon, iron, nickel, etc. Supplements include essential oils, carotenoids, mineral salts, PP and B vitamins. The energy value of pulp and greens is different: 36 and 18 Kcal, respectively, based on 100 g of raw weight.

The amount of nutrients largely depends on the quality characteristics of the soil: acidity level, soil composition, volumes and types of fertilizers applied. The climatic conditions in which onions are grown also matter - the number of sunny days, air temperature, regularity of watering, etc.

As a popular dietary product, it is present in most French cuisine recipes, used to flavor and add a subtle taste to soups, poultry dishes, sauces and salads.

Caramelized shallots

When you eat greens and soft parts daily, you can count on:

• Strengthening the immune system, increasing body tone.
• An increase in energy during the period of spring vitamin deficiency, when most vegetables and fruits lose vitamins and nutrients.
• Prevention of viral diseases, pathogenic bacteria and general loss of strength.
• Improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal permeability and cleaning it from stagnant fecal deposits.
• Normalization of blood pressure.
• Natural removal of toxins from the body.
• Strengthening the walls of blood vessels and capillaries.
• Improved blood circulation.
• Cleansing the skin and accelerating its regeneration processes.

Good to know: Growing and caring for shallots

However, if you have problems with the genitourinary system and stomach acidity, you should use shallots with caution. If used excessively in the diet, you can “earn” irritation of the intestinal mucosa and urination problems. People suffering from liver diseases, bronchial asthma and pancreas should also avoid it in their diet.

Related article:

Planting onions on the head in spring: when and how to plant correctly?

Use in cooking

Shallots are widely used in cooking. It is simply consumed as food and used as a seasoning for various dishes. It has its own unique aroma and taste, so it gives dishes its own unique flavor. In addition, this type improves the digestion process and stimulates appetite.

The leaves and bulbs of shallots serve as a good seasoning in cooking. They are prepared in salads, added to meat dishes, soups, omelettes, marinades, and sandwiches. In addition, they are included in various canned foods. Recently, shallots have found wide use in English and French dishes, where they are used instead of onions.

Young leaves of shallots are consumed as food, cutting them off several times during the season. In addition, you can eat the onions. They have a very pleasant aroma and semi-sweet taste, without a sharp bite. After eating shallots, there is no unpleasant aftertaste; it does not overwhelm the notes of other ingredients in the dish.

For culinary purposes, you can use not only fresh, but also pickled and frozen onions. This peeled vegetable baked in the oven is used to prepare sauces and seasonings. After cooking, it is very easy to peel and grind to a puree.

Due to their high dry matter content, shallots caramelize very well. It can be fried until brown, but this must be done gradually over low heat.

Product and consumer qualities

Shallots are especially respected by housewives who love to prepare delicious gourmet dishes. It is considered an essential ingredient in most classic French recipes. Small bulbs with thin scales have a pleasant sweetish-sharp taste that does not overwhelm other products. They are easy to cut and practically do not cause tears. Shallots have a universal culinary purpose and are perfect for dietary nutrition. It can be used as a constant source of fresh aromatic herbs by growing it at home on a windowsill in winter. Thin feathers grow in a compact, lush bunch and remain delicate for a long time.

Pickled onion pickles are served as a savory appetizer or as a side dish for meat and fish dishes.

Shallot bulbs are superior to regular onions in terms of dry matter and sugar content, so they caramelize perfectly and become even tastier after heat treatment. The chemical composition of greens and onions also contains vitamins C and group B, phytoncides, carotenoids, essential oils, macro- and microelements (iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, silicon, etc.).

Reviews from summer residents

Shallots have earned very good reviews from summer residents, even though their yield is somewhat lower than that of onions. Many say that it has excellent taste and has a long shelf life. Gardeners value this vegetable for its excellent taste. You can cook absolutely any dishes from it, even desserts. Moreover, it can be consumed fresh as it is not spicy at all.

Farmers write that shallots ripen much earlier than onions, and also have a more pleasant taste, despite the fact that they have small heads. They are not at all caustic. Excellent for preparing first and second courses, as well as salads.

According to reviews, shallots are very popular among summer residents, as they are easy to grow, early ripening, good keeping quality, and excellent taste.

You can get an early harvest in open soil. The best growing method is to plant bulbs. The seeds are best used for growing seedlings. In garden plots, several different varieties can easily be cultivated at once, but they need to be planted at a distance from each other to avoid cross-pollination.

How to grow shallots in your garden

Another feature of shallots is that this crop rarely produces arrows topped with seed pods, so it is hardly possible to independently collect planting material for sowing next year.

However, in specialized stores you can buy:

• like the seeds themselves;
• and the sowing of the crop we are interested in.

The purchased seed will grow in your garden no worse, however, if you still want to collect the seeds yourself, then try to bring the plant to bolting. You can do this as follows.

1. To begin with, select the largest, smoothest and generally healthy and beautiful bulbs from last year’s harvest, the condition of which is at its best.
2. The selected bulbs must then be stored for 3 months in a room where the temperature will be between +5°C and +11°C.
3. At the end of April, plant the onions prepared according to all the rules into the ground.

To get shallot seeds yourself, you need to force it to “go into the arrow”, that is, to form a box with seeds

The steps listed above are called “vernalization” and are aimed at stimulating the bolting process in shallots. Bulbs planted and previously prepared in this way quickly produce an arrow, at the end of which an inflorescence first forms, which then turns into a box with seeds.

Preparing the land for planting shallots

Each culture, as is known, has some cultivation characteristics. Onions in general, and shallots specifically, were no exception. The conditions for growing a plant will vary somewhat depending on why you are growing it:

• to obtain juicy greens;
• for the sake of turnips for the winter.

In any case, in order for you to be able to get an abundant amount of vegetables at the end of the growing season, it is very important to competently approach the following issues:

• choose a suitable landing site;
• Pre-prepare the soil at your disposal.

In order for planting shallots to bring the expected results, it is necessary to first prepare the land for planting.

So, let’s first decide on which soil is the most pleasant for shallots to grow. This plant will be most fertile if it grows on the ground:

• non-acidic;
• loose;
• filled with nutrients.

If the soil in your garden is acidic, and you do not neutralize this acid, you will have to face such negative effects as:

• yellowing of onion tops;
• drying out the onion parts.

In other words, acidic soil equals crop loss.

In addition, if you live in swampy areas where groundwater rivers are located too close to the surface of the earth, then it is advisable to drain the soil before planting this plant.

As for the localization parameters of shallots on the site, you need to choose places that:

• are located on flat areas;
• perfectly illuminated by the sun;
• Do not place them near trees, which can deprive the onions of some of the natural light.

Before planting onions in garden soil, you need to thoroughly fertilize the soil:

• organic fertilizers;
• mineral supplements.

In addition, it is important to follow the rules of crop rotation, which mean that shallots must be planted in place of friendly crops that were previously growing here. Thus, the category of “friends” of the culture we are considering includes:

• potato;
• tomatoes;
• zucchini;
• pumpkin;
• beans;
• cucumbers

Shallots can be planted where tomatoes used to grow.

But these are the plants you should be careful of:

• carrots;
• garlic;
• shallots directly;
• sunflowers;
• corn.

However, it is desirable that not only the desired crops be swapped with the shallots, but also that the neighboring plants are suitable for growing together. So, an unfriendly carrot, for example, is an excellent neighbor for the onion variety in question, because:

• the airy substances emitted by it drive away onion flies;
• The volatile substances emitted by shallots prevent carrot flies from reaching the carrots.

In addition, the following can have a similar protective effect for our plant:

• radish;
• strawberry;
• leaf salad;
• cucumbers

If you follow the rules, you will not only make caring for your plantings much easier, but will also ensure a solid harvest.

Planting shallots on a feather

As we mentioned above, shallots can be grown directly either for green feathers or to produce turnips. In order to get the green part and enjoy it for a long period in the summer, it is necessary to plant shallots according to actions carried out in a certain sequence.

Table 1. How to properly plant shallots to obtain green feathers

Shallots have an unusual shape

As you can see, getting some green shallots for your food is very easy, you just need to put in a little effort. However, if you still want to harvest onions in bags for the winter, then you need to act differently.

Spring planting of shallots

Planting the crop we are considering in the spring can be done to obtain:

• green onion tops;
• onion part of the plant.

At the same time, preparation of the site for planting is carried out directly in the fall, in several stages. Let's look at them.

Table 2. How to prepare the land for planting shallots

Onion seeds should also be prepared before planting.

Not only is it necessary to carefully prepare the land for planting, it is also very important to take care of preparing the seeds for planting. Here's how it's done.

1. Shallot seeds collected or purchased in a store must be wrapped in gauze or a cloth, and then placed inside a container with clean water.

2. After placing the seeds inside, the top of the container is closed with a lid, and the seed is kept in water at a temperature of 20-25°C for about 48 hours.

3. During the luring procedure, shallot seeds must:

• remove every 7 hours;
• each time place in fresh water and throw out the old.

4. After the specified soaking period has passed and the time has come for planting this plant, you will need to dry the onions in the fresh air.

Having prepared the seeds and leveled the beds, you need to:

• pour the seed into the grooves previously drawn with a rake;
• cover the seeds with dry soil.

To make caring for your beds easier, mulch them with peat or other organic matter.

After the onions sprout, it will be good to mulch the beds where they grow, using the following procedure to carry out this procedure:

• peat;
• humus;
• other organics.

Thirty days from the moment you plant the plant, you will be able to feast on the green feathers of the plant.

In the first growing season after sowing, shallot seeds form one bulb, consisting of 4 segments, almost cloves of garlic. After drying the collected fruits, these 4 segments will disintegrate and you will get several smaller bulbs.

These onions are sets suitable for planting next year. Already from the seeds you can get the following harvest:

• much more abundant;
• large.

It is necessary to use the seedlings within 4, preferably even 3 years, since its yield is lost by about 15% every year.

Planting shallots before winter

Shallots are one of the few crops that actually show resistance to changes in air temperature, however, not so strong as to classify it as a winter plant variety.

Planting shallots before winter allows you to get green feathers earlier

Therefore, planting this crop before winter is suitable only for those of our readers who live in the south, since:

• in mid-latitudes, the probability of obtaining a harvest of this crop after autumn planting drops to 55%;
• in the northern regions it drops to about 25%.

However, it is even wise to sow the vegetable in the fall in the south, since the green feathers appear much earlier than if you planted onions in the spring. It is advisable to carry out the planting procedure no later than October, so that the onions:

• managed to gain a foothold at the landing site;
• did not begin to germinate, since frost would otherwise kill it.

As with spring planting, the area of ​​land must be carefully prepared. However, this time there is no need to soak the seeds, so as not to awaken them prematurely by saturating them with moisture.

Landing dates

Heirloom onions are planted in spring or fall, using seeds (rarely) or bulbs. Nigella shallots can be sown directly into the ground as soon as the soil warms up to +10 degrees, at the same time as ordinary onions.

Approximate dates for planting shallots:

• in the middle zone and Moscow region - March-early May and end of September;
• in the Leningrad region - March-mid-May and mid-September;
• Ural and Siberia – March-end of May and beginning of September;
• south of the country – February-mid-April and October.

In regions with harsh winters, winter onion crops should be covered with a layer of straw and sawdust.

When to plant according to the lunar calendar 2022

• January: 25-27, 29-31
• February: 4-9, 12-14, 21-27
• March: 6-8, 11-13, 20-31
• April: 3-5, 7-10, 17-22, 25-30
• May: 2, 5-7, 10-12, 17-25, 27-29
• June: 1-3, 6-8, 15-17, 23-26
• July: -
• August: 8-10, 13, 14, 22-24, 29-31
• September: 5-7, 23-25, 28-30
• October: 2-4, 8-12, 15-18, 20-22, 27-31
• November: 3, 4, 12-14, 21, 23
• December: 2-4

In 2022, unfavorable days fall on the following dates:

• January – 2, 3, 17, 18
• February – 1, 2, 16, 28
• March – 1, 2, 18, 27, 28
• April – 1, 2, 16, 23
• May – 1, 16, 30
• June -14, 18, 29
• July – 13, 14, 28, 29
• August – 11, 12, 27-28
• September: 9-10, 26, 27
• October: 9, 10, 25, 26
• November: 1, 2, 7-9, 24, 25, 28, 29
• December: 7-9, 23-25

@Stephen Melkisethian, Flickr

Benefits for the body

Being so rich in minerals and vitamins, it would be strange if shallots were not included in the list of healthy vegetables for humans. Below we will talk about the most outstanding abilities of the Akchelon bow.

Good for the eyes

This is one of the main advantages of onions. Shallots are a rich source of vitamin A and promote the production of a protein called rhodopsin. And it is an extremely important element for the retina. In more detail, it is useful for good vision and preventing night blindness. In addition, vitamin A protects against cataracts and corneal diseases.

Strengthens immunity

Shallots have proven to be a vegetable useful for strengthening the immune system. According to many health experts, this special type of onion is rich in components that are beneficial to humans - flavonoids. In particular, anthocyanins and quercetin affect the immune system, strengthening it. And according to research by American scientists, these flavonoid compounds protect the body not only from viruses, but also from malignant tumors.

Cancer Advocate

Shallots, as already mentioned, effectively improve the overall health of the immune system. But this vegetable is no less effective for preventing cancer. Flavonoids protect the body from free radicals, which in turn cause mutation of healthy cells and DNA damage. In turn, vitamin A in combination with lutein, carotene and zeaxanthin prevents lung cancer.

Healthy heart

In addition to protecting against cancer, shallots can also strengthen the heart muscle.

This green vegetable is rich in vitamin A and ascorbic acid. These two vitamins are known for their antioxidant properties, which again protect the body from free radicals. They also serve as a protective barrier for the heart. In addition, researchers confirm that shallots have the ability to lower blood pressure, which is also beneficial for reducing the susceptibility to heart disease. Well, don’t forget about the beneficial component known as allicin. It makes blood vessels elastic and prevents the formation of blood clots, which means it protects against coronary disease and stroke.

Strengthens bones

Not only dairy products can strengthen bone tissue. Shallots can do this too. This is because the vegetable contains vitamins K and C, as well as many minerals necessary for improving bone density. This is why shallots are an important food for those with arthritis or osteoporosis.

Useful for people with diabetes

People suffering from diabetes also experience benefits from shallots. There is an opinion among researchers that due to the sulfur content, onions can lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, this same mineral is important for increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. So the benefits of onions for diabetics are no longer in doubt.

Good for the respiratory system

According to researchers, shallots are useful for maintaining adequate functioning of the respiratory system. With antiviral and antibacterial functions, green onions protect the respiratory system from viruses and bacteria. Therefore, people who regularly consume shallots are less susceptible to colds and flu.

Improves the functioning of the digestive system

Some studies suggest that green onions may be beneficial for your digestive system, including intestinal health. In addition, it has antibacterial properties and is useful in treating diarrhea caused by bacteria.

Relieves dysmenorrhea

Don't know what dysmenorrhea is? This is a pathological pain in the lower abdomen that appears during menstruation. Confused about the connection between onions and menstrual pain? So, in Chinese medicine it is generally accepted that menstrual pain occurs as a result of lack of heat. And to counteract this, Chinese healers advise consuming products with a warming effect, such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic and all types of onions.

Improves skin condition

Among the many chemical components that make up onions is a compound called allicin. It tones the skin and protects against premature aging, prevents the appearance of wrinkles. And vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals, improves its health and acts on the epidermis as a whitening agent. The latter ability makes green onions useful for removing freckles and age spots.

Protects against inflammation

This green vegetable is also good for preventing inflammation. The secret of such abilities is in antioxidant substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. Not the least role in this matter is played by sulfur and vitamin C, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Prevents obesity

Green onions are good for preventing obesity. And it’s not just the low calorie content of the vegetable. Many studies have proven that regular consumption of shallots leads to a reduction in body fat percentage. It is believed that the substances contained in the vegetable accelerate lipid metabolism and break down excess subcutaneous fat.

Fights anemia

Most people know that anemia is a condition where the body does not produce enough red blood cells. As a rule, the cause of this condition is an unbalanced diet, in particular iron deficiency. But iron-rich shallots will help avoid anemia.

Green feathers are useful for treating anemia and as an effective preventative.

Protects against allergies

Quercetin, which has already been mentioned more than once, among other things, also has antihistamine properties. Translated into simpler language, this means that shallots prevent allergic reactions, including those manifested by difficulty breathing.

Accelerates wound healing

It may seem strange, but shallots speed up the healing of wounds from cuts and burns. Although knowing about the antibacterial properties of the vegetable, this ability of onions is no longer surprising. The main reason for poor wound healing is bacteria. By getting rid of them, the healing process accelerates several times.

Reduces blood pressure

In some traditional medicine recipes, green onions are mentioned as a remedy for high blood pressure. Researchers became interested in this fact and conducted several experiments. It turns out that shallots are actually beneficial for people with hypertension. Sulfur compounds effectively lower blood pressure and prevent blood clotting. The result is smoother and easier movement of blood through the vessels, which means a reduction in the load on the heart.

Benefits for pregnant women

Are you wondering what foods should be in the diet of an expectant mother? Of course, we will not be able to present a complete list now, but we will definitely name one of them. This is a shallot. When it comes to the diet of pregnant women, one of the first to be mentioned is vitamin B9, also known as folic acid. This vitamin is important not only for a woman’s health, but also for the proper formation of the unborn child. A lack of vitamin in the diet of the expectant mother is manifested by an improperly developed nervous system in the child. Shallots will provide the necessary portions of the vitamin.

Natural remedy for swollen feet

Did you know that shallots can also relieve swollen feet? And this is not a new discovery at all. Even in ancient times, people used this plant to treat swollen feet. A paste of crushed green feathers applied to the feet contains large amounts of sulfur and quercetin. And these substances have the ability to reduce swelling.