No, a green onion is not a salad onion, although they are closely related and often confused. Here's a breakdown:
Understanding the Onion Growth Stages
To clarify the relationship, it's helpful to understand the growth stages of an onion:
| Stage | Description | Common Names | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Growth | Immature onions without a bulb | Green Onions, Green Shallots | Mild |
| Mid Growth | Onions starting to form a bulb | Spring Onions, Scallions, Salad Onions | Milder than Mature Onions |
| Late Growth | Mature onions with a fully developed bulb | Regular Onions (e.g., yellow, white, red) | Stronger, Pungent |
Key Differences
- Green Onions: These are harvested before they start to bulb. They have long, slender green stalks and a very small, undeveloped white base.
- Salad Onions: These are harvested as they start to bulb. They have a more noticeable white bulb at the base and are typically larger than green onions.
The reference provided states: "In the beginning, we have immature onions without a bulb – these are green onions (or green shallots). Mid-way through their growth, the onions start to bulb – these are spring onions scallions or salad onions."
Practical Implications
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While both green onions and salad onions are milder than mature onions, their uses can vary slightly. Green onions are often used raw as a garnish or in salads for a very subtle onion flavor, while salad onions can be used raw or cooked, providing a more noticeable, but still mild, onion taste.
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You can often use them interchangeably in recipes, though the difference in flavor and texture may be noticeable.
In Summary
Green onions and salad onions are from the same plant species but harvested at different growth stages. Green onions are immature, bulb-less plants, while salad onions have begun to form a bulb and are considered a mid-stage onion. Thus, they are not the same thing, even though they are closely related.
