A bunch of scallions is one of those vegetables you’re likely to see in a farmers’ market. Scallions are common condiments in many cuisines and recipes.
Green onions and spring onions are other young fresh onions that may want to confuse you, especially because they are used interchangeably.
So then, what is a bunch of scallions? What does it look like, and are scallions green onions and spring onions? It gets even more puzzling when you see them in the same recipes, giving the same aroma and taste.
In this article, you’ll see what scallions are, how to tell them apart from other young fresh onions, and how to use them.
What is a bunch of scallions?
A bunch of scallions is a bunch of young, fresh onions that are harvested before the bulb develops fully.
Scallions are called spring onions or green onions in different countries. They are common condiments in American, Asian, and European cuisines and are available all year round.
Furthermore, scallions add a sweet and oniony flavor to stews, soups, vegetable dishes, and casseroles. They are also served raw in salads. They grow in clumps and have slender, hollow leaves with a tender white bulb underneath.
All parts of scallions are edible, but the white and pale green parts are the most used. Raw scallions have a crisp texture when you eat them. To retain the crispiness, add them to a dish at the last minute.
In addition, the leaves taste like onions but with mild grassy notes. The white bulbs taste more like full-grown onions but are sweeter and less pungent.
How many scallions are in a bunch of scallions?
One bunch of scallions contains 6 to 8 medium scallions. The number of scallions in a bunch varies with the size of one scallion.
That means you may find more or fewer scallions in a bunch.
How much does a bunch of scallions weigh?
One bunch of scallions weighs 3.8 ounces which is equivalent to 105 grams.
This weight will vary with the size of the individual scallions in the bunch. The larger the scallions, the more they are likely to weigh.
Are scallions the same as green onions?
Scallions and green onions are onion varieties. Scallions are younger onions with smaller bulbs, unlike the wider and more developed bulbs of green onions.
Also, the bulbs of green onions are rounder than that of scallions.
Are scallions the same as spring onions?
Spring onions are another variety of onions based on age. They are more developed than scallions with rounder and more mature white bulbs.
Moreover, they have a stronger flavor than scallions which is very close to the pungency of full-grown onion bulbs.
In addition, the bulbs of spring onions are not always white; they could be purple or yellow. Spring onions are harvested in spring and summer when the bulbs are thicker enough to roast (one of the ways to eat spring onions).
How to cut scallions
Here’s how to cut scallions:
- The first thing to do is to examine the scallions
- Loosen the bunch and carefully peel off bad layers and remove rotten or damaged stalks
- Then, rinse the scallions under running water to remove dirt and bugs
- Pat dry the scallions with clean paper towels
- Arrange them in a single layer on a chopping board. Avoid stacking the scallions on each other. Otherwise, they’ll get crushed while you cut them
- Take a sharp knife and cut off two inches of the green top. Do the same for the bottom to remove the roots
- Thereafter, you can begin to cut the scallions into your desired sizes and shapes
- You can cut them into long strips, chunky cuts, and small coin-like cuts
- Each of these shapes and sizes perfectly suits different recipes. For instance, the chunky cuts make great stir-fries, the strips are perfect for salad and pasta, and the coins best suit sauces, stews, and casseroles
How to use a bunch of scallions
Here are a few ideas on how to use scallions:
- Last-minute garnish for stews, soups, sauces, deviled eggs, grilled meats, and potato salad
- Add them to baked goods
- Add scallions to eggs for breakfast
- Salad
- Use scallions as pizza toppings
- Make savory pancakes by adding scallions to the batter
- Mix scallions with other herbs to make a healthy, savory sauce for fish and meats
- Vegetable and protein stir-fries
- Add scallions to avocado dip for an oniony flavor
- Use scallions as sandwich fillings
- Pickle the scallions
- Make scallion dressing for chicken, lamb, and pork
- Add them to pico de gallo or pesto
How to store a bunch of scallions
On the counter
Storing scallions on the counter is only advisable if you use them within two days. If you’re storing a bunch of scallions this way, make sure they are not wet.
Also, do not stack them on top of each other. Lay the scallions out in a single layer on the counter. Additionally, make sure that you’re storing the freshest scallions.
In the refrigerator
Refrigeration also works for scallions but not for so long. You can keep scallions refrigerated for up to two weeks. Use a clean heavy-bottom jar. This type of jar will hold the scallions and will not trip over.
Put the scallions inside the jar and fill it with enough water to cover the roots. Afterward, take a Ziploc bag and cover the scallions. Secure the ends of the bag around the jar with rubber bands and refrigerate.
Most importantly, change the water at least once a week. Another way to store scallions in the refrigerator is to keep them loose in the crisp drawer of the fridge.
On the windowsill
This method is the best way to store a bunch of scallions that still have their roots. Put the scallions in a clean jar that can hold them without tripping over.
Afterward, fill the jar with enough water to cover the roots. Then, put the jar on the windowsill.
This storage method keeps scallions fresh for months. The water keeps them growing and looking vibrant. But you must change the water at least once a week.
FAQs
2 cups of chopped scallions equal how many bunches?
Two cups of chopped scallions will be about two and a half medium bunches of scallions.
But, if they are small bunches, you may need up to three bunches to get two cups of chopped scallions.
How many bunches of scallions are in a pound?
One bunch of scallions weighs 3.8 ounces, and 16 ounces make a pound. One pound of scallions will have approximately four bunches of scallions.
Can you replace onions with scallions?
Yes, you can.
Replace onions with scallions in any recipe that calls for onions. Scallions are milder, more flavorful, and will cook faster than onion bulbs.
If you’re replacing onions with scallions, use them in equal amounts, chop them chunkier, and cook the scallions only briefly.
Are scallions the same as shallots?
Scallions and shallots are both onion varieties.
Scallions taste like onions while shallots taste more like garlic. Moreover, shallots are smaller and can replace scallions in any recipe. However, you may want to use fewer shallots because of their stronger taste.
Conclusion
Simply put, scallions are young fresh onions. Some farmers grow onions just to harvest them as scallions. The mild flavor complements savory and sweet dishes. Moreover, some people enjoy eating raw scallions in a salad.
Whichever way you’ll have scallions, make sure you’re buying a fresh bunch from a farmers’ market. You can also grow scallions in your backyard garden and have them readily available to flavor meals.
Thanks for reading.
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