Scallions – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are scallions?

Scallions are a member of the allium family, which also includes root vegetables like onions, chives, and spring onions. Also known as bunching onions, scallions don’t form bulbs, but rather clusters of stalks attached to long green leaves. Compared to regular onions, scallions are milder but still possess an aromatic bite that brings life to any dish.

Scallions can be served raw or cooked and feature in everything from Mexican and Indian cuisine to a range of East Asian culinary traditions. In Japan, they’re often chopped and served raw as a garnish for tofu. In China and India, they’re used to flavor pan-fried pancakes and baked flatbreads. In fact, many Chinese dishes are based on the foundational trinity of scallions, garlic, and ginger. They can also be used in salad dressings, sauces, and many other recipes.

And yes, although there’s some confusion around this, scallions and green onions are essentially the same thing.

Where did scallions originate from?

Scallions are grown all over the world today, but their origins can be traced back to Asia. Over 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese scholars were writing about using scallions for their medicinal properties, and many Chinese people today will turn to scallions to help fight the onset of a cold. They’re believed to have reached Europe via the Middle East, and the name came from a town in modern-day Israel where they were grown.

What is the nutritional value of scallions?

One cup (100g) of scallions packs the following nutritional punch:

• 32 calories
• 7g carbohydrates (2% of daily value [DV]); includes 2.6g fiber (10% of DV), and 2.3g sugar
• 1.8g protein (3% of DV)
• 0.2g fat
• 31% DV of vitamin C
• 19% DV of vitamin A

Eating a cup of scallions also fuels the body with nutrients like vitamin K, iron, calcium, and folate.

How are scallions grown?

Scallions are a fast-growing, perennial plant. The seeds are planted in spring, around 2 months before the last winter frost. Scallions like temperatures in the region of 70 to 80°F and need to be exposed to maximum sunlight to grow well. They’re usually harvested in summer, between 2 to 3 months after the seeds are sown, or when the leaves are around 6 to 12in tall.

When are scallions in season?

The peak season for scallions is from around mid-March through the summer. However, they’re available year-round, and you should be able to pick them up wherever you buy fresh vegetables.

How do you pick scallions at the grocery store?

Take a good look at the leaves, which should be a bold shade of green. The leaves should not be wilted or damp, nor should they be excessively dry. The stalks should be firm to the touch and should fade from green to white.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for scallions via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for scallions.

How to store scallions

The best way of keeping scallions fresh is to place them, leaves pointing up, in a jar of water (about 1 to 2in deep). Cover the scallions with a plastic bag, and use a rubber band to seal the bag. The scallions will remain fresh for up to a week if stored using this method. Scallions can also be wrapped in paper towels or plastic wrap, or placed in a plastic bag, and stored in the crisper drawer. However, the scallions won’t last as long using these methods.

How to tell if scallions are bad

Scallions have gone bad if you notice any of the following indicators:

• Leaves that have become wilted, soggy, or slimy
• Browning of leaves
• Signs of obvious mold

What can I substitute for scallions?

Can’t find scallions near you? Many different kinds of onion can be switched in, but a few possible scallion substitutes include:

• Chives lack the bulb but are among the closest cousins to scallions in terms of their onion-garlic flavor.
• Leeks, which are a good substitute for the physical structure of scallions, even if they’re a little larger. Their green leaves, crunchy stems, and edible bulbs are reminiscent of scallions in terms of texture, and there’s a certain overlap in flavor.
• Spring onions, which also replicate the flavor and texture of scallions. They’re a little too sharp to use in raw form, but if you’re cooking the spring onions, they’re certainly a dependable scallion stand-in.
• Shallots, which are slightly sweeter than scallions, but generally fall into the same category as spring onions. They can replace scallions in cooked dishes to good effect, but avoid using raw shallots.
• Ramps, which are another great replacement—that is, if you can find them! This highly sought-after member of the onion family brings a sharp, garlicky flavor to any dish, so use in small quantities if they’re standing in for scallions.

Shop scallions near you

If you’re already experienced using scallions in the kitchen, you’ll agree they’re one of the most versatile vegetables around. If you’re exploring scallions for the first time, at least now you can tell your scallions from your spring onions and shallots. Order same-day delivery with Instacart, and you can start cooking with scallions today.

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