Shallots - Benefits And Application

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Although Shallots if it is no longer an exotic vegetable for us and we can find it in a number of larger stores or markets, we rarely reach for it because we are shocked by its higher price (about BGN 5 for 250 g) compared to with our Bulgarian onion, and also because we are not very aware of what and how to use it.

That is why here we will show you what it is the application of shallots and what are the benefits of consuming it.

As you can guess, Shallots is from the Onion family, but we can safely say that in structure it resembles garlic, because in most cases it forms more heads. Their science is Allium ascalonicum, but this is only for additional information - you will not find it in stores this way. However, it may be called Wallachian or Serbian onion, although its homeland has nothing to do with the Balkans. It is believed to have been brought to Europe from the ancient Palestinian city of Ascalon, now known as Ashkelon.

Shallots it has a copper color of the scales and a whitish inside, which often acquires a red tinge. In shape it is longer than onions and has a very different taste from it.

It can be called a favorite among the types of onion used in France, where master chefs often stew it with white wine. It goes well with chicken and fish, but it is not recommended to fry it, just stew it. When fried, it releases bitterness, say French experts.

Now let's see what are the benefits of it. About 100 g of shallots contain a lot of fiber, vitamins A, C and K, as well as B vitamins. It is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium and does not contain any cholesterol.

All this makes it great for use not only in cooking but also for health purposes. You can use it for stomach problems and especially bloating and gas.

It is used to make compresses that work well on the eyes, and in India they make a special mixture with added sugar to treat a sore throat.

In cosmetics it is used to nourish the skin, to remove freckles and as an anti-hair loss agent. But most interestingly, it is thought to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Isn't it worth closing your eyes to its price and starting to turn it on shallots regularly in your menu?

Health benefits of eating shallots

Shallots are the oldest home remedy for hair growth. These onions are rich in sulfur, which helps produce collagen tissue. This is useful for hair restoration. Cut the shallots into small pieces and squeeze the juice. Apply evenly on the scalp and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo that helps hair growth.

Shallots are rich in iron. A glass of shallots can provide 1, 9 milligrams of iron - 24% of daily iron intake for men and 11% for women.

In general, shallots have a better nutritional profile than our familiar onions. The former has more antioxidants, minerals and vitamins than ordinary onions.

Perhaps the best nutritional bonus for shallots is the varied content of their antioxidant compounds. These antioxidants are released when the cell surface is damaged, usually during cutting or crushing, like garlic. When these antioxidants are released, they form another valuable compound called allicin. This powerful compound helps reduce cell mutations and various types of cancer.

Shallots also contain the mineral potassium, which supports many of the functions of your body. Potassium helps your body maintain a stable heart rate and fluid balance.

Shallots provide health benefits of people who monitor weight and saturated fat intake. Shallots have a slightly sharp taste. Unlike onions, their taste will not overload your palate and sinuses or burn your tongue. Also, unlike garlic, shallots have less effect on your breath. We all know how bad breath can be after eating garlic. That is why we often give up our favorite classic tarator, in which it is an important product. Or we just don't add it to the cold milk soup.

Consumption of shallots protects more from cardiovascular disease, heart attack, atherosclerotic disease and stroke.

Selection and storage of shallots

Shallots can be found at the market or in the supermarket along with other onions, garlic, vegetables and fruits. Be sure to choose a shallot that is dry and firm. Avoid ones that are softer or have already sprouted. Choose a size that will perfectly suit your recipe or preparation.

The perfect place for storage of shallots is cool, dry and dark. Shallots should be stored for about a month.

Cutting shallots

Use a sharp knife to cut the shallots. The less you press the shallots, the less likely you are to destroy the cell walls - leading to fewer tears. It is best not to use a grater or blender, as the blade will grate the shallots and give it an unpleasant, bitter taste.

Culinary applications of shallots

Shallots cook in the pan much easier than ordinary onions due to their finer cell structure, which ultimately allows for greater caramelization. Onions develop a sweet, mild aroma as they cook. But you can prepare it in another way. For example in the oven.

Roasted onions

Bake the shallot heads whole at 180 degrees to caramelize. Then add them to dressings, spaghetti sauces or mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato croquettes for exceptional taste.

Caramelized onions

Cut and sprinkle the shallots with champagne and maple syrup. Bake it a nice tan. Use on sandwiches or tacos.

Vegetable broth

Add them to carrots, onions and celery when making vegetable broth. Or add shallots to your favorite onion soup. You can find it in many French soups.

Quick garnish

Season the shallots with apple cider vinegar and beetroot juice to make a delicious garnish for roast pork, meat sandwiches and more. They will not only acquire a bright pink hue; the rings are an attractive garnish.

Salza

Finely chop and add to fresh products such as jalapeno, avocado, pineapple or tomatoes.