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Green onions vary in size, depending on the specific variety, and are generally comprised of elongated, cylindrical pseudostems with tubular leaves. Each onion is firm, straight, and narrow, and the leaves grow directly from the base. The leaves range in color from light to dark green and are mostly hollow at the top with a striated, thick, and fibrous feel. The onion’s base is white, smooth, crisp, and lightly aqueous, made up of compact, tight layers. There are also tufts of white to light brown roots extending from the base. Green onions are crunchy, subtly chewy, and succulent when raw. If cooked, they soften in texture and become crisp and tender. One of the defining characteristics of Green onions is their versatility. The entire onion is edible, and the leaves will contribute different flavors and textural elements compared to the plump, white bases. Green onions release a faintly savory, onion-like aroma and have a refreshing, grassy, vegetal, sweet, and slightly pungent flavor. The white portions of the onion will have a sharper taste than the milder green leaves. Cooking the onions will also mellow their overall flavor and enhance sweetness.
Seasons/Availability
Green onions are available year-round, with a peak season in the spring and early summer.
Current Facts
Green onions are botanically part of the Allium genus and the Amaryllidaceae family. Many varieties are encompassed under the Green onion moniker, and these onion types belong to the species Allium cepa and Allium fistulosum. Some varieties of Green onions are harvested young before a bulb appears, while other cultivars are selectively bred to never produce a bulb. Green onions have been utilized as a culinary and medicinal crop since ancient times, and the herbaceous plants are traditionally harvested by hand. Worldwide, Green onions are also known as Scallions, Salad onions, and Bunching onions and the young, tender onions are favored for their versatility, mild flavor, and textural characteristics. Green onions are a widely grown commercial crop and are sold as a common ingredient for cuisines around the world. Chefs and home cooks seek the onions for use in fresh and cooked culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Green onions are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. Onions also provide vitamins A, B, C, and K to maintain healthy organs, strengthen the immune system, and aid in faster wound healing. Other nutrients include iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, magnesium to control nerve functions, calcium and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, zinc, manganese, and folate. Green onions are used in natural medicines for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Applications
Green onions have a mildly pungent, green, and vegetal flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. Each variety of Green onion will vary in intensity, but most young onions have a mellower taste than mature onions, allowing them to be used in a wide array of culinary dishes. Green onions can be used in their entirety, and it is recommended that the exterior layer be peeled and the leaves gently washed before use. Once prepped, Green onions can be chopped and added to salads or used as a fresh topping. Green onion garnishes add texture, color, and flavor, and their mild onion-like taste enhances savory dishes. Try mincing Green onions into dips, sauces, dressings, and relishes. Salsa and pesto are two popular condiments that incorporate Green onions. In addition to fresh preparations, Green onions can also be gently cooked. Adding Green onions towards the end of the cooking process is recommended to preserve their crisp texture. Green onions can be stirred into noodle and rice dishes or minced into fillings for wontons, dumplings, and rolls. In Asia, green onions are often added to fried pancakes as a snack. The flavorful leaves are also simmered into soups, curries, and stews. Beyond cutting Green onions into smaller pieces, the greens can be sauteed whole in olive oil or grilled for a smokier flavor. Green onions can be used in any preparation calling for onions, like omelets, cornbread recipes, or pasta dishes. They can also be cooked into legume-based meals, finely chopped into meatballs, or pickled as a tangy condiment. Green onions pair well with snow peas, chard, broccoli, radishes, carrots, herbs such as basil, parsley, and cilantro, and meats such as pork, poultry, beef, and turkey. Whole, unwashed Green onions will last 3 to 7 days when wrapped in a paper towel and stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Green onions are a traditional element incorporated into Passover Seder among the Jewish community of Iranian and Persian descent. Passover Seder is held on the first and sometimes second night of Passover, typically in the spring, and commemorates the story of the Israelites' freedom and exodus from Egypt. Seder is a meal comprised of six symbolic items that are acknowledged and consumed at specific times. During the Dayenu, which is a song recited during the Passover Seder, it is customary for Persian and Iranian Jews to playfully hit their friends and families with Green onions. Dayenu translates from Hebrew to mean “it would have been enough” and is a time to remember the historical and spiritual importance of Passover while also being mindful of how life is being lived in the present. The history of using Green onions in Seder is unknown, but it is said that the onions symbolize the whips that the Egyptians used to control the Israelites. Hitting other Seder participants is meant to enforce the ideal of never longing for the past and times of afflictions. It is also a physical way for the Jews to understand the suffering that their ancestors experienced in Egypt. Despite the solemn symbolism, the custom of throwing Green onions is a favorite element of Passover Seder, and Jews of all ages participate and enjoy the activity.
Geography/History
Green onions have a widespread history, as many varieties are broadly categorized under this name. Most varieties sold under the Green onion descriptor belong to Allium cepa and Allium fistulosum. Allium cepa types are thought to be native to Central Asia, while Allium fistulosum varieties are descendants of wild plants native to Eastern Asia. The exact history of Green onions is unknown, but it is hypothesized that young onions have been utilized in culinary and medicinal preparations since ancient times. Onions were an early cultivated crop in history, and as different varieties were selectively bred for improved traits, the versatility of the plants also increased. The movement of Green onions worldwide mirrors the history of onions in general. Several Green onion varieties were created and widely used in cuisines across Asia, and over time, their presence in cooking appeared throughout Europe and the Americas. New hybrid varieties were also eventually bred between Allium cepa and Allium fistulosum to create tender onions that do not form bulbs. Today, Green onions are extensively cultivated in Asia, primarily in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia. They are also commercially grown worldwide in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Green onions thrive in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates and are sown multiple times to produce year-round availability. The tender onion varieties are sold in bunches through fresh markets, retailers, grocers, and distributors worldwide.
Jacy Farm
Anza, CA
Green onions are harvested young before a bulb appears, while other cultivars are selectively bred to never produce a bulb. Green onions have been utilized as a culinary and medicinal crop since ancient times, and the herbaceous plants are traditionally harvested by hand. Worldwide, Green onions are also known as Scallions, Salad onions, and Bunching onions and the young, tender onions are favored for their versatility, mild flavor, and textural characteristics. Green onions are a widely grown commercial crop and are sold as a common ingredient for cuisines around the world.
Jacy Farm
43570 Chapman Rd, Anza, CA 92539
+1 951-234-2499
Korean Green Onion AKA Daepa Green Onion. Daepa" refers to a large, non-bulbing Korean green onion, often called "big scallion" or "Asian leek," known for its mild, sweet, and rich flavor, used in Korean soups, stews, and as a garnish. From Jacy Farm.
Distriyuca
3104663144
Green onions are commercially grown worldwide in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Green onions thrive in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates and are sown multiple times to produce year-round availability. The tender onion varieties are sold in bunches through fresh markets, retailers, grocers, and distributors worldwide.
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