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x spring onions

ProducePeak season is spring and early summer in temperate climates, though spring onions are available year-round in most markets due to greenhouse cultivation and global sourcing.

Spring onions are low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and antioxidants. They contain compounds with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

About

Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are young Allium fistulosum plants harvested before bulb maturation. Native to Central Asia and East Asia, they consist of a slender white base and long, hollow green leafy tops, both of which are edible. The white portion has a stronger onion flavor, while the green tops are milder and more delicate. Spring onions differ from Welsh onions and bunching onions primarily in their size and harvest timing, though the terms are often used interchangeably in culinary contexts. Their flavor is fresher and less pungent than mature onions, making them suitable for both raw and cooked applications.

Culinary Uses

Spring onions are used extensively in Asian cuisines—particularly Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking—both raw as a garnish and cooked in stir-fries, soups, and braised dishes. The white base and green tops serve different purposes: the whites are diced for flavor development in cooking, while the greens are reserved as fresh garnish. In Western cuisine, they appear in salads, omelets, potato dishes, and as a raw garnish for soups and tacos. Both parts should be cleaned thoroughly and sliced at a bias for visual appeal. Spring onions pair well with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and citrus, and serve as a finishing element to add brightness and onion flavor without the sharpness of raw mature onions.