These relatives of the onion are wonderful and so could we go on and on about how great they are!
These little gems are not only densely packed with nutrients, but also wildly popular among chefs worldwide.
You’ll be surprised to see how good these little vegetables can be for your health.
What Are Shallots?
Allium ascalonicum, or shallots, belong to the family of plants called Alliums.
Onions, garlic, and chives also belong to the same family.
The name shallot can also be referred to as Baker’s Garlic, Chinese Shallots, Scallions, and Small Angled Chives.
There are many different kinds of shallot grown around the world, some of which include Gray Shallots, French Red Shallots, American Red Shallots, and Dutch Yellow Shallots.
Small onions resemble shallots.
Colors of shallots can range from a golden brown to a bright red.
Shallots are loaded with nutrition and boast an excellent taste.
Along with its rich flavor, it also contains various antioxidants.
The flavour and pungency of the shallots are milder in comparison with onion.
Its distinctive flavor makes it highly suitable for pickling and raw consumption.
Nutritional Value Of Shallots
|
|
|---|---|
| Calories (kcal) | 72 |
| Sodium | 12 mg |
| Total Fat | 0.1 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Polyunsaturated fats | 0 g |
| Monounsaturated fats | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Potassium x | Potassium 334 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Vitamin A | 4 IU |
| Calcium | 37 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Magnesium | 21 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
History of shallots
Shallots were considered a sacred plant by the Persians, and they were a staple in ancient Egypt.
The Crusaders who returned from Palestine introduced the shallots to Europe.
Brittany and Anjou, traditionally the two French regions that grew shallots, started cultivating shallots in the 12th century.
Those two regions continue to cultivate shallots as a traditional practice to this day.
New varieties and breeds have been developed with better shapes, higher yields, and improved storage qualities.
Farmers have access to a selection of 13 varieties of certified shallots today.
Many of these varieties are also available for amateurs to grow.
Due to their nutritional benefits and delicious taste, they are grown throughout the world today.
Difference Between Onions Vs. ShallotsOnions and shallots both belong to the Allium genus, which also includes leeks, chives, and garlic. Despite being closely related, onions and shallots have a few key differences. |
|
Shallots |
Onions |
| Shallots differ from other onions primarily in their cellular structure, aside from their strong flavor. | Peeling an onion reveals layers of rings that are covered in papery skin. |
| The cloves of shallots are oblong in shape and can range from grey to light purple or brown in color. | They can come in a variety of sizes and colors, but most commonly come in white, yellow, or red. |
| Shallots grow in clusters. | Onions don’t grow in clusters. |
| The taste of shallots is milder and sweeter. | The taste of onions is sharp and pungent. |
| Shallots are typically more expensive and harder to find. | Cheaper, inexpensive and easier to find. |
| A less common addition to various dishes. | Very commonly used in various dishes across the globe. |
| It is much easier for shallots to break down when cooked as they can caramelize at a much higher level or create a subtler touch as a foundation for sauces. | Onions don’t break down very easily while cooking and requires more heat and time to get cooked. |
Top 17 Health Benefits of Shallots
Here are 17 Amazing Benefits of Shallots for Health.
1. Keeps the Heart-Healthy
Shallots’ potential to promote heart health is becoming increasingly recognized as heart disease is one of the leading killers in western countries.
By reducing bad cholesterol levels and preventing plaque buildup on arteries, they are able to reduce heart disease symptoms.
These types of artery blockages are among the most common causes of heart attacks.
Shallots are also loaded with antioxidants such as allicin and quercetin.
The presence of these compounds may lower the risk of heart disease because of their strong antihypertensive properties.
2. Enhances immune system
The immune system protects vital organs in the same way that a country’s guns and missiles defend it against physical attacks.
Shallots are loaded with peptides and proteins, which boost immunity.
It’s antioxidants also help to protect the body’s cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
It may help you to stay healthy by combating colds, flu, and other respiratory infections by eating shallots.
3. Aids in preventing obesity
A lot of attention has been paid recently to the rising obesity rate.
Obesity is associated with many serious health risks, and nobody wants to look overweight.
Nevertheless, improving your diet is as important as your exercise program.
It is just as important to know what to eat as it is to avoid eating something.
The ethyl acetate in shallots prevents the formation of fat, so their consumption is ideal for dieters.
4. Suitable for diabetics
Everybody should eat healthily, but people with diabetes have special concerns about eating foods that won’t aggravate their condition and can even relieve it to some extent.
Research shows the flavonoid compounds in shallots are beneficial for people with diabetes.
A shallot-fueled diet can improve your body’s natural insulin production and help you maintain a healthy weight.
The consumption of shallots is also known to reduce blood sugar levels due to the fact that they inhibit the disintegration of insulin in the liver.
5. Helps treat allergies
Studies suggest that shallots might provide some comfort to allergy sufferers.
It is widely acknowledged that this plant possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties.
People who suffer from catarrh or sore throat find that eating shallots relieves their symptoms.
Shallots have also been claimed to be effective in treating food allergies.
It can even provide relief to headache sufferers.
The lack of medical evidence however makes it important that anyone considering such a treatment seeks advice from their doctor first.
6. Boosts High Brain Functionality
In the last half-century, the average lifespan has increased, which has resulted in an increasing number of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.
In the absence of an effective remedy, it is easy to comprehend why natural substances are being pursued as remedies.
Folate and iron found in shallots are proven to benefit the brain in a number of ways.
Anti-inflammatory properties of the plant might contribute to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Helps to prevent problems with eyesight
It is universally recognized that eye health is important.
There are many factors that contribute to vision decline as one ages, but proactively taking steps to stop vision loss or at least to delay it is well worth it.
Shallots are said to possess a lot of vitamin A, which may help preserve your eyesight and reduce the chance of developing cataracts.
More than a third of your recommended daily vitamin A intake is obtained from eating shallots alone.
8. Reduces the risk of cancer
Allium vegetables contain ethyl acetate chemicals, which inhibit cancer cell growth.
Experts point out that shallots reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer among natural medicine practitioners.
They may also be useful in treating some other forms of diseases because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
Shallots might prove to have medical value in this context if serious medical investigations are conducted.
9. Preserves skin naturally
You can get benefits from shallots not only through the digestive system but also by applying them to the skin.
This way, you can treat damaged skin and maintain its youthful appearance.
One recommended practice is to use peeled shallots in hot water to wash the face daily.
The juice of shallots can be rubbed into the skin to treat insect bites. Boils can also be treated with this juice.
10. Maintains healthy hair and scalp & promotes hair growth
Sulfur is a naturally occurring compound that promotes hair growth in this vegetable.
People believe that a paste consisting of shallots, pepper, and salt, when applied five times a week to areas of baldness, can treat baldness.
Apart from that, shallot juice is also used in anti-dandruff shampoos and for calming scalp infections.
11. Defends against chronic diseases
Compared to onions, garlic, and other veggies in the onion family, shallots are rich in flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.
These compounds reduce the risks of chronic diseases by acting as bioactive compounds.
12. Boosts Blood Circulation
The circulatory system benefits from it.
By enhancing circulation and dilating blood vessels, they help lower high blood pressure.
The high Iron and copper content of shallots can help increase circulation in the body through stimulation of red blood cell production.
13. Great Antioxidant
The high and variable levels of antioxidant compounds in shallots, such as kaempferol, quercetin, and sulfuric antioxidants, provide significant health benefits.
In the presence of these antioxidants, another appreciable compound is formed, called allicin.
Cell mutation and various cancers are reduced by this powerful compound.
There is research linking shallots to the reduction of lung and oral cancer, as well as colorectal, stomach, and breast cancers.
The biochemical reactions generated by shallots and garlic are known to fight inflammation, infections, and viruses.
Researchers have studied a number of immunological parameters associated with shallots, and they found that shallots’ antioxidant enzymes help fight infections both common and more serious.
15. Enhances appetite
The iron supplementation can help increase your kid’s appetite if you are worried about your child not eating enough.
You can improve your appetite and prevent iron deficiency-related health problems by including foods like Shallots, black beans, and spinach in your regular diet.
16. Relief From Constipation
Consuming raw shallots can be helpful for constipation sufferers.
This is necessary because shallots can contribute to the body’s toxic elimination process.
Thus, if you suffer from constipation, you can relieve it by consuming raw shallots.
17. Helps Overcome strep throat
Raw shallots may also be used to overcome infections of the mouth and gums.
They are also effective at treating sore throats, which are now extremely common.
There are many things that can cause a sore throat, such as seasonal changes, excessive consumption of ice and oil.
It is recommended to consume raw shallots for those with sensitive throats in order to avoid strep throat.
How To Include Shallots In Your Diet
- Make a homemade pizza with sliced shallots as a topping.
- Add shallots in pastas or casseroles after sautéing them.
- Toss whole caramelized shallots on your salads.
- Salsas are also delicious when made with diced shallots and fruits and vegetables.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions of Using/ Consuming Shallots
Onions and shallots are generally safe to eat, although they may cause interactions with certain medications if they are hard to digest for some people.
It is not known whether onions worsen existing heartburn or acid reflux, although eating excessive onions may do so, although they typically do not cause heartburn in people without it.
For people with IBS and related symptoms who suffer from frequent constipation or bloating, there may be some relief from taking out typical culprits like garlic and onions.
Do an elimination diet and see if that helps.
Children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers are safe to consume onions and shallots, but they can increase acid reflux, which you should monitor.
Selection and storage
During the spring and early summer seasons, fresh shallots are readily available.
Their flavor and storage life are compromised by wet and humid conditions.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find shallots ranging from fresh to dehydrated, frozen to canned, pickled to powdered.
Look for dry, thin, coppery-brown outer scaling on well-developed, clean, uniform Shallots while purchasing them fresh.
It is best to avoid those that have sprouts or signs of black mold as they are old stock.
Shallots perish much earlier than onions do. You should store them at home in a cool, dark place away from humidity and moisture to keep them fresh for several days.