The stems of some plants are modified to serve for storage. The most common modification is in the form of a bulb. It is condensed as a terminal bulb and axial fleshy leaves.
Such modified stems of plants are widely used and eaten daily. The two common forms of bulbs are onions and scallions.
Key Takeaways
- Onions have a stronger taste, while scallions are milder and slightly sweet.
- Onions develop large bulbs, whereas scallions have small, underdeveloped bulbs.
- Onions are used for cooking, while scallions can be eaten raw and cooked.
Onion vs Scallion
An onion is a vegetable with a large bulb cultivated from the Allium genus. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease. It has a strong smell and taste due to sulfur. Scallion is an under-developed bulb that is rich in calcium, potassium and anti-oxidants. It has a mild scent and taste.
Onions have a longer growth period. The scientific name of onion is Allium cepa. It produces an irritant called syn-propanethial-s-oxide and stimulates the lachrymal glands.
It converts the sulfoxides amino acid to sulfenic acid and causes tears while chopping onions. Onion has several health benefits, lowering the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
It is a good source of vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, scallions have a shorter growth period. The scientific name of the scallion is Allium fistulosum.
It does not produce any chemical irritants during chopping. It is rich in fibre, antioxidants, and several vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of energy and metabolism production.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Onion | Scallion |
|---|---|---|
| Bulb size | Large and fully developed bulb | Small and under-developed bulb |
| Health benefits | It contains anti-inflammatory substances that reduces cholesterol and triglycerides and is rich in antioxidants and sulfur | It is a good source of Vitamin C, and other B-complex vitamins like B1, B2, and B3 vitamin commonly called thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin respectively, and contains several minerals like calcium, potassium |
| pH | Around 5.5 | 6.0 – 7. 0 |
| Growth conditions | Grows well in loamy, alluvial soil and can withstand temperature variations except extreme hot, cold or rainfall | Organic and moist soil and grows well in full sun to a partially shaded area |
| Growth period | Longer than scallions | Shorter than onions (60 – 120 days) |
What is Onion?
Onion is a vegetable species of the genus Allium. It is also called a common onion or bulb onion. The scientific name of onion is Allium cepa. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus.
Onion is from the kingdom of Plantae, an order of Asparagates, a family of Amaryllidaceae, a subfamily of Allioideae, and a genus of allum.
Onion is a biennial or perennial plant and is cultivated annually. It has been grown for over 7000 years. The harvesting time of onion is the first season of its growth. After harvesting, the crop is dried and stored.
The plant consists of a bulb at the base, fibrous roots that extend into the soil and leaves on the top. The bulb is condensed and compressed stems surrounded by modified scales that are fleshy.
The pH of the onion is 5.5. The first cultivation of onion is considered to be done in Central Asia. There has been evidence that onions were used back in the Bronze Age settlements.
The first person to write about the usage of onion and cabbage is Pliny the Elder, in his work called Pompeii. The crop is susceptible to pests and worms like onion eelworm, onion fly, and other fungi.
Some types of onions also produce multiple bulbs. Such types are potato onions and shallots. Onions can be eaten raw in salads, chutneys, and pickles or cooked along with other savoury dishes.
What is Scallion?
Scallions are perennial vegetables of the genus Allium. Scallion and shallot are related, and the words are derived from Ancient Greek.
The scallion crop does not have a fully developed bulb and has thick, tubular, and hollow leaves growing over the soil. The germination period of the scallion is one to two weeks.
The leaves, as well as the bulb of the scallion, can be eaten raw in salads, salsas, soup, seafood dishes, noodles, and other dressings or cooked and used in other savoury dishes.
Regions like the Southwest United States eat scallions with salt, cheese, and lime juice. It is also used as a topping for several cuisines.
Scallions require over one inch of water for over a week during cultivation. The ideal soil type for scallion crops is moist yet not soggy. Scallion is a good source of Vitamin C and other B-complex vitamins like B1, B2, and B3 vitamin, commonly called thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, respectively.
It also contains several minerals like calcium, carotenoids, and potassium and is rich in antioxidants. Scallions have several regional names, like green onion, spring onion, salad onion, long onion, table onion, onion stick, wild onion, precious onion, yard onion, baby onion, gibbon, and many other such names.
Scallion is adaptable to flash freezing. Oils from scallions are widely used. Scallions are active ingredients in Asian cuisine.
Main Differences Between Onion and Scallion
- Onions have a stronger taste and smell, while scallions have a milder taste.
- Onions have a fully developed bulb, while scallions lack a fully developed bulb.
- The scientific name of the onion is Allium cepa, while the scientific name of the scallion is Allium fistulosum.
- The germination period of onions is six to twelve days, while the germination period of the scallion is one to two weeks.
- Onions require the loamy, alluvial, friable, and deep type of soil, while scallion require moist organic soil that drains well for cultivation.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf980344x
- https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO201207364424215.page
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I found this post to be quite dry, lacking engaging content.
What an interesting and detailed post! I’ve always loved onions and scallions and it’s great to learn more about them.
I totally agree with you, Evans Neil. It’s enlightening to know the difference between onions and scallions and their respective health benefits.
While I appreciate the information, I personally find the taste and smell of onions too strong for my liking.
Really, Csaunders? I love the taste of onions! It’s fascinating how different people perceive flavors.
I’m with you, Csaunders. I can’t stand the smell of onions either.
I’ve always been a fan of onions, but after reading this post, I’m definitely going to incorporate more scallions into my diet.
This post is incredibly informative and well-researched. I’ve always wondered about the differences between onions and scallions.
I agree, Phoebe Matthews. It’s great to understand the nutritional benefits of these common vegetables.
The table comparing onions and scallions is particularly helpful. I learned a lot from this post.
This post delivered the information in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Well done!
I couldn’t agree more, Tracy12. The clarity of the post is certainly commendable.
While I appreciate the scientific insights, I can’t help but wonder how onions and scallions have been used in different cultures over history.
That’s a great point, Cox Ray. It would be enlightening to learn about the cultural significance of onions and scallions beyond their nutritional attributes.
The comparison table is incredibly insightful. I didn’t realize the pH difference between onions and scallions could be so significant.
I know, Cook Adam! It’s fascinating how even such small details can make a difference in taste and growth conditions.