No, a green onion is not garlic.
Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are immature onions (Allium cepa). While they share some visual similarities with green garlic, they are distinct plants. Green garlic, on the other hand, is immature garlic (Allium sativum). The key difference lies in the plant species: green onions belong to the Allium cepa species, while green garlic is from the Allium sativum species. Therefore, despite the similar appearance, particularly at early stages of growth, they are botanically different.
- Green Onion: A young onion, harvested before the bulb fully develops.
- Green Garlic: An immature garlic plant, harvested before the bulb fully matures.
Although both have a similar grassy, onion-like flavor, their mature forms are quite different. Mature onions develop large bulbs, while mature garlic develops a cluster of cloves within a bulb. The subtle flavor differences even between green garlic and green onions can be noticed by those familiar with cooking with these vegetables.
