Leek, Shallots and Spring Onions

Leek belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae and genus Allium. Scientific name of leek is Allium porrum. Leek is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. Leek is a non-bulb forming member of the onion family and biennial in growth habit just like other members of onion family. The blanched stems and leaves of leek are used as a vegetable. It is used in salads, stews and soups. Two popular varieties of leek are London Flag and American Flag. Shallots are cool season, herbaceous, biennial plants grown for their tender greens and dried bulbs. Young, tender leaves of shallots are often marketed as ‘green onions’ and/or ‘scallions’. For leafy vegetable purposes, they are grown as annuals. Bulbs of shallots are also known as ‘small onions’ as their bulbs look like small-sized common onions. Scallions and Spring onions are leafy vegetables belonging to the bulb-forming, onion family (Amaryllidaceae). Prominent members of onion family include common onions, shallots, leek, and garlic.