Shallots or eschalots are long, slender, undergound, fleshy stems in the allium family of tunicate bulb vegetables. In general, they differ from the onions in being smaller, and grow in clusters of bulbs from each plant-root system. The bulbs are characteristically less pungent than that of onions and garlic, which makes them one of the favorite ingredients in cuisine across the regions.
This bulb vegetable is probably originated in the central asian region, and today, cultivated as a major commercial crop in all the continents. Botanically, it too like its fellow bulb and stem (leeks) vegetables belong to the alliaceae family, in the genus, allium.
Shallots are cool season perennials; however, they can be grown as annual crops just like onions. The quickest way to grow them is from raedy-made sets, usually available from nearby nurseries. The plant reaches about 50 cm in height, and bears 1-5 cloves of bulblets just underneath the surface. It takes about 100 days when the bulbs are ready for harvesting. Mature bulbs are then cured under dry air, and stored in the same manner as onions. Like in other allium species, shallot's top greens and flower heads are also eaten in many parts of the world.
Rachael Rays Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Shallots
New York Strip Steak with Caramelized Shallots Recipe
Pickled French Shallots Recipe
Fish with Black Bean Sauce
Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Orange Braised Shallots
Gnocchi With Sherried Shallots
White Butter Sauce for Fish
Salad with Boczniakow
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Shallots and Fresh Garden Thyme
Rishia Zimmerns Chicken With Shallots Recipe 1
Peas With Shallots and Pancetta
Fresh Goat Cheese And Crispy Shallot Dip
Veal Medallions with Sage
Moules Mariniere to the Cream
Fricassee of Chicken 3
Scallops with Shallots Puree and Hotly Worded Mandarin
Broccoli With Roasted Shallots Mushrooms
Endive and Goat Cheese Recipe
Stirfried Asparagus With Garlic and Shallots in Chili Oil
Eds Leftover Chicken and Roasted Garlic Pasta
Standard Apple Pie with Tuna Chorizo and Black Olives
Snap Peas with Crispy Shallots Recipe
String Green Beans With Shallots
Shallots Bulb Vegetables
Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallots
Krevetten Flamed with Cognac
Oysters Recipe
Chicken With Shallots in White Wine
Verrine Recipes with Asparagus and Prawns
Celery and Pear Soup Recipe
Baked Beets Shallots
Shallottarragon Jam Recipe
Mint Lamb Chops With Caramelized Shallots
Roasted Duck With Red Wine Spiced Pears And Shallots Recipe
Asparagus With Shiitakes Shallots and Peas 1
Roasted Squash Potatoes Shallots Herbs
Beef Stifado greek Beef Stew
Filets of Plaice
Crab and Corn Soup Recipe
Health benefits
Overall, shallots have better nutrition profile than onions. On weight per weight basis, they have more anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins than onions.
They are rich source of flavonoid anti-oxidants such as quercetin, kemferfolaetc. Further, they contain sulphur anti-oxidant compounds such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and allyl propyl disulfide. These compounds convert to allicin through enzymatic action following disruption of their cell surface while crushing, and chopping.
Research studies show that allicin reduces cholesterol production by inhibiting the hmg-coa reductase enzyme in the liver cells. Further, it also found to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities.
Allicin also decreases blood vessel stiffness by releasing vasodilator chemical nitric oxide (no) and thereby help bring a reduction in the total blood pressure. Further research studies suggest that allicin inhibit the platelet clot-formation in the blood vessels that helps decrease an overall risk of coronary artery disease (cad), peripheral vascular diseases (pvd), and stroke.
The phyto-chemical compounds allium and allyl disulfide in onion have anti-mutagenic (protects from cancers) and anti-diabetic properties (helps lower blood sugar levels in diabetics).
Shallots hold several fold more concentration of vitamins and minerals than in onions, especially vitamin a, pyridoxine, folates, thiamin, vitamin c etc. Pyridoxine (b-6) raises gaba chemical level inside the human brain that help soothe nervous irritability. In addition, 100 g fresh shallots carry 1190 iu (35% rda) of vitamin a. Vitamin a is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Further, they are also good in minerals and electrolytes than onions; particularly iron, calcium, copper, potassium, and phosphorus.
Notice
The information and reference guides on this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications