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Shallot facts

· Shallots are often thought to be another variety of onion, but although they are both members of the allium family, shallots are actually a species of their own

· Shallots are sweeter than onions with a greater piquancy.  Their higher sugar content means that they caramelise easily

· Any recipe that calls for onion can be adapted to use shallots.  Simply substitute four shallots for an onion and follow the recipe as normal.

· Onions should not however be substituted for shallots Michel Roux Jr. explains why, “Shallots are more highly perfumed and have a more delicate flavour than onions – a world apart from large brown skinned onions which can be full of water.”

· Shallots grow in clusters, where separate bulbs are attached at the base and by loose skins.  They have a tapered shape and a fine-textured, coppery skin, which differentiates them from onions

· Shallots are called scallions in the USA and spring onions in Australia.  In fact the Australians call what we in the UK would call a spring onion a shallot!