Shallots, a type of small, mild edible allium, are treated like gourmet divas, but they are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Even if you've failed with garlic and onions, you'll probably have success with shallots.
I'm not sure what makes shallots so expensive to buy. Maybe it's because there isn't that large a market for them. That's kind of self-fulfilling, because if they lowered the price, more people would buy them. But lucky us, we're gardeners and we aren't at the whim of grocery managers and marketing gurus. We can plant shallots in the fall and have enough to store and use for months on end.
I made the mistake of grouping shallots with multiplier or potato onions, the other day. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably and that just makes things more confusing, especially when you are ordering sets. As our onion aficionado, Scottyblue, pointed out, regular multipliers have a stronger flavor, more like regular onions and can be a struggle to peel. If you want the sweet, subtle shallot that melts away in butter, look for true French Gray shallots. A shallot by any other name, is not a shallot. Here are some more tips for growing shallots, as we get ready for the fall planting season.
By the way, do you already grow shallots? If so, let us know your favorite varieties.
Photo: © Marie Iannotti
Comments
Thank you for the tip. I did not realize that shallots are so easy to grow. I will surely add them to my garden next season. Now I have three more items to add to my garden-Shallots,stevia and mushrooms
Gladys, I wish the mushrooms that grow so easily in my garden, on their own, were edible. Every time I see them spreading out, I think maybe I should try growing some good ones too.