Shallot vs. Onion

Shallots and onions are very similar root (bulb) vegetables. Onions are larger and crunchier than shallots; they also have a stronger aroma and flavor. Both originated in Asia, with shallots being more closely-related to garlic than onions are. They are commonly eaten cooked or raw.

A shallot is a small onion whose cluster of small bulbs resembles garlic in appearance. They are used to season foods. They have a papery skin over each bulb.

An onion is a round, layered vegetable that is used to season foods. They can be white, yellow, or purple (red). They have a strong taste and can stimulate crying when being cut or peeled. They have a papery skin over each bulb.