Q: What would you call those green things in the bowl?
a. Scallions
b. Spring onions
c. Shallots
A: It's a trick question: they're all correct. It just depends on where you are. In the US they're scallions, in the UK they're spring onions, and in Australia they're shallots. How's that for confusing?
I even tried growing some in my container garden so I wouldn't have to remember what they're called when I go to the supermarket, but they fried in the sun as soon as they popped out of the dirt.
This is the first food item I've found that has a different name in each of the three countries, but I'm keeping my eye out for more.
Oh, and whatever you call them, my photography/cooking assistant, seen here straying into shot, has given them the Miss B Thumbs Down: "too spicy!"
5 comments:
And here in Western Canada I would call them green onions, although scallions is not uncommon.
My mom always calls them 'Polish Lilies.'
Interesting--so much variety for one skinny little green plant!
Where the heck did 'Polish Lilies' come from?
'Polish lilies' are a slam on Polacks: they think its a flower, but its an onion.
Ah, one sees--an ethnic slur! Good to know.
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