Shallots: useful properties and contraindications

Such a vegetable crop as shallots is a collection of onions. However, they still have some differences in external description and in the chemical composition. Otherwise, the vegetable is called chives or scallions. This variety of onion promotes the prevention of cancer. Its benefits do not end there, it is characterized by many other positive qualities.

What are shallots?

The shallot represents the family of onions. The bulb of this plant is much smaller than the onion variety, includes several garlic-like slices. The root vegetable has an average diameter of 3-4 cm. The shape of the fruit is pointed to the bottom. The inner scales are thin, white in color, covered with films.

What it looks like

The Ashkelon onion is a perennial plant that belongs to the Onion family. This species differs from its onion relative only in the bulb. There are early, medium and late varieties, sharp, sweet and semi-spicy varieties. Also the plant is grouped according to the color of the husk, that is, it can be red, white or purple. In the first year of sowing, 5-6 bulbs emerge from a single fruit. In the second year, you can get up to 4 dozen bulbs from one nest, as well as arrows with seeds.

Shalott is a low-growing plant with a branching stem. The leaves are light green and doodle-shaped. A single bulb can produce up to 3-5 leaves. Usually the fruits are small in size, large specimens are quite rare, have an irregular ovoid shape, covered with husk on top. The crop is characterized by high safety and resistance to transport.

This plant is native to Ethiopia.

How it differs from onions

Externally, the shallot is practically the same as the onion. The only thing is that the Ashkelon product is smaller and, depending on the species, may have an elongated shape.

As for the medicinal properties, this variety has much higher properties compared to the onions. The studied vegetable contains in its composition a lot of vitamins of group B, A and C. Green feathers have a high concentration of potassium, copper, phosphorus.

Such a plant component strengthens the protective functions of the body, has an antiviral effect. The plant contains calcium, which can strengthen the bone system. Also, this product will help improve the appetite, despite the fact that it is also dietary, because it contains less than 4% sugar.

Shallots are often used in the preparation of French and European cuisine. It is this variety that is used to make onion soup. The green part of the plant can be used to make salads, marinades and sauces.

Such a product can be combined with meat, fish dishes, as well as vegetables. It is not able to overpower the taste of the main components in each dish. Small bulbs can be used as a separate dish, pickling them beforehand. The onion variety is characterized by a sharp and bitter taste, while the shallot has a sweet taste and a peculiar piquancy.

Another important feature of shallots is that they do not leave an unpleasant smell in the mouth, which is not characteristic of their onion counterparts.

They are highly frost-resistant, which increases their shelf life.

Composition and calories

The valuable qualities of shallot lie in the rich chemical composition. Like other members of the Onion, this variety is valued for its antimicrobial, antifungal and disinfectant qualities. In addition, the product contains sugars, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.

1. For example, shallots contain mono- and disaccharides, which carry protein and thus provide cells with energy.
2. Minerals such as sodium, calcium, iron and phosphorus are involved in ensuring the normal functioning of various organs and systems of the body.
3. The product contains essential oils, among which we can distinguish phytoncides, the volatile part of which is able to kill bacteria and germs. This group of substances has the prevention of viruses and infections.
4. Shallots are characterized by the content of such an antioxidant as retinol. This substance has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Regular use of such onions cleanses the epidermis, removes keratinized cells, and normalizes the water balance. In addition, vitamin A affects the central nervous system, protecting people from neurosis and anxiety. This substance can improve the fat content and quality of breast milk, is involved in the regeneration of body tissues.
5. Vitamin E or tocopherol should also be mentioned. This substance also belongs to the group of antioxidant and bactericidal substances. Tocopherol provides digestion of fats and proteins, enhances immunity, cleanses liver cells of free radicals, and acts as a preventive agent against cancerous pathologies. Vitamin E is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells, dilates blood vessels and provides stimulation of neurons of the brain. All this leads to increased concentration and improved memory.
6. Shallots contain B-group vitamins. Thus, thiamine ensures the functioning of the sexual system in both men and women. That is, this substance is necessary for the health of the reproductive and development of the peripheral nervous system. Also vitamin B1 is involved in hematopoiesis. The substance strengthens eyesight, so it is useful to eat such onions to prevent cataracts. Nicotinic acid stabilizes cholesterol levels, protects blood vessels from plaques on their walls, which leads to blockage of blood channels. Vitamin PP is useful in the treatment of diabetes, as well as arthritis and osteoporosis.
7. Onions are known to be almost 90 percent water. In combination with sugars and fiber, the product is able to normalize the digestive system. Shallots adjust the metabolic processes, providing weight loss. This effect is also achieved due to pectin, starch and acids of organic nature.

The caloric value of the green part of the vegetable is 18 kcal, and the onion itself has about 70 calories per 100 grams.

What are the benefits of shallots

General benefits

Consuming Ashkelon onions on a regular basis restores most of the systems of the human body. First, it should be noted that the herbal component will help cleanse from parasites and bacteria. The disinfectant group of substances is represented by phytoncides, which act mainly in the GI tract. If intestinal permeability and digestion are reduced, the digestive tract is deposited residues of undigested food, which are subsequently subjected to putrefaction and develop pathogenic microflora. When ingested in the stomach and intestinal lumen, the juice of the vegetable is able to suppress bacteria and increase peristalsis, ensuring the removal of toxins.

Due to potassium, magnesium and sodium, as well as some vitamins, it restores the circulatory system, namely increases the elasticity and strength of blood vessels, stabilizes blood pressure, improves the tone of the heart muscle. Iron in the product is responsible for maintaining hemoglobin levels at optimal levels.

A high concentration of antioxidant components and vitamin substances has a rejuvenating effect. These elements can improve metabolic processes in tissues, neutralize free radicals, and remove toxic substances and cholesterol. With a sufficient content of these substances in the body, the dermis becomes firmer, and the hair, teeth and nail plates are strengthened.

A special place in the composition of the vegetable takes substances such as quercetin and allicin. They are also antioxidants and have a hypotensive effect. Allicin protects the cardiovascular system.

Also, shallots are high in potassium, which is essential for water-salt balance and maintaining muscle tone. In addition, this mineral element takes part in the metabolism of carbohydrates and improves metabolic processes. The composition of this onion contains substances that are effective in the fight against obesity.

For women

Probably most of the fairer sex face such a problem as dysmenorrhea. This concept is a strong pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Chinese scientists found out that menstrual pains appear because of insufficient heat. And to correct it, experts in the field of Chinese medicine recommend the consumption of products with a warming effect. Among them are all varieties of onions.

As already mentioned, the composition of the product contains allicin. This substance tones the dermis, protects it from premature aging and the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C in the product protects the skin from free radicals, makes it healthy and has a whitening effect. The latter property allows the use of green onions to remove freckles and age spots.

Such a herbal product will help prevent inflammation. This property is due to the presence of antioxidant components in the plant, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. Sulfur and ascorbic acid are also strong in the fight against inflammation.

Green onions can help counteract obesity. And this is due not only to the low caloric content of the delicacy. A number of studies have shown that the constant inclusion of this ingredient in the diet reduces the amount of fat in the body. The substances in the vegetable stimulate lipid metabolism and the breakdown of subcutaneous fat.

The shallots are also effective for anemia. The cause of this disease is an unbalanced diet. As for the weaker sex, they have this condition occurs with monthly blood loss associated with menstruation. The shallot is enriched with such a mineral as iron, therefore, will prevent the development of this disease.

For men

Ashkelon onion is valued not only for its unique characteristics for the whole body in general, but also in particular for the members of the male sex. Experts recommend that men consume the vegetable fresh.

The juice of the plant is enriched with many valuable enzymes that are essential for men's health. This product is able to restore the functions of the male reproductive system, as well as increase potency. In addition, the composition of the culture increases sperm synthesis and motility.

In pregnancy.

Thanks to folic acid and useful minerals, the Ashkelon vegetable can prevent the development of many diseases in pregnant girls, ensuring the normal formation and development of internal organs and bone system.

The rich vitamin composition of the product is also beneficial for the future mother's body. When including such a plant in the diet, a woman's body is enriched with substances that are necessary for normal life and a healthy course of pregnancy.

It should also be noted that the vegetable will help women in the position to easily cope with constipation. However, it is necessary to comply with the norms of consumption of the product, so as not to harm and cause inflammation of the mucous membranes.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, eat this variety of onion with caution. It is recommended to consult a doctor beforehand. Regular moderate consumption will help to overcome seasonal avitaminosis and colds.

When breastfeeding a baby, the use of shallots in food can cause changes in the taste of milk.

For Babies

Most parents know about the benefits of onions, so they try to introduce a new product to their child's menu as early as possible. However, it should be remembered that children can be given this vegetable from the age of three.

If you want to introduce a child with such a vegetable crop before that time, you need to follow certain recommendations. So, from seven months of age, when already in the child's diet there are zucchinis, carrots and potatoes, onions can be given in boiled form.

Despite all the useful characteristics of the product, give kids raw vegetable should not be given or its quantity should be reduced to a minimum, combining the product with salads, soups and other foods. This will protect the mucous membranes of the internal organs from irritation.

Onions can be used not only as a food, but also as a way to treat various ailments. For example, using the juice based on Ashkelon onions is a remedy for coughs, sore throats and runny noses. You can also use such a composition for inhalations. This will free the respiratory organs from mucus. However, you should know that such treatments can only be given after 3 years of age and in consultation with your pediatrician.

To reduce irritation, which often occurs on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, onions can be given to children only after the main meal. It is also important to combine this crop with honey and milk. The same requirement applies to the treatment of coughs. In this case, the child should eat the remedy together with water or milk. To add flavor to such a composition, you can add a sweetener in the form of sugar, honey or jam.

It is known that during the seasonal diseases, children are more susceptible to infection. To protect your child, it is recommended to crush a head or two of such an onion, spread it on a plate and put it on the table. This method will allow a general disinfection of the room. Such aromatherapy has a beneficial effect on all functions of the human body. The essential oils in the plant are designed to moisturize the nasopharyngeal mucosa. They also make breathing easier.

In order not to harm your child's health, you should constantly monitor the consumption of the vegetable crop by children. It is important to keep in mind that onions are a spicy product that can strongly affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system. Uncontrolled intake can cause abdominal pain.

When losing weight.

Shallots are able to break down fats, improve their digestion, and normalize metabolism. It is these qualities that are appreciated when it is necessary to get rid of excess weight. Even if you add this vegetable to fatty and fried dishes, it will help to neutralize the negative effects of fats on the human body. But, of course, during weight loss you should not use such harmful dishes.

Onions can be included in the diet when following a diet. In this case, it is recommended to use a shallot. Such diets involve the consumption of a special vegetable soup with the addition of large amounts of onions. For example, you can use the following recipe. You will need only 2 carrots, 4-5 tomatoes, 6 onions, 2 peppers and fresh herbs. Boil all the ingredients. Beforehand, stew the shallot until transparent. In such a dish, add any spices and spices, as for salt, it should be used in moderation.

Observe such a diet on the basis of onion soup can be observed for a week. During this time, it is allowed to eat vegetables and fruits. Twice a week you can eat fish and meat dishes. Of course, such ingredients should be steamed, baked in the oven or boiled.

You can also prepare onion sauce and use it in the menu once a day. To make it, you need to chop 5-6 onions, stew them with spices, and then add a few spoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp. tomato paste and vegetable broth with herbs. Cook the dish for a quarter of an hour, then grind the mass with a blender. You can use it to dress meat and soups. The resulting sauce helps to better digest food and will protect against the deposition of fat in problem areas.

Another way to lose weight with shallots is to add them to salads. Vegetable salads themselves are useful, but if you also add this vegetable component, the weight loss process will be accelerated. However, in this case, you will need to adjust your menu and give up sweets and flour products.

Shallots in folk medicine

To cure purulent wounds, you need to cut the onion into two parts, apply to the affected area with the cut and bandage it. The components in the composition of the plant will accelerate tissue renewal and destroy pathogenic microbes.

Viral diseases

For the treatment of viral diseases and the flu, it is recommended to grate a head of shallots, place them in a teapot and use the spout of the utensil to inhale the vapors for 15-20 minutes.

For burns.

Shallots can be used to treat burns. In this case, it is necessary to combine the onion pulp with salt and grated soap. The resulting composition should be applied as quickly as possible to the affected area.

From calluses

To eliminate calluses, you should take the husks of onions and pour vinegar so that the plant material was drowned in the liquid. The container with the composition to cover tightly and place in a dark place for two weeks. At the end of this period, remove the husk, dry it slightly and put on the corns overnight, bandaging. Treat the skin around the corns with a greasy cream. In the morning, hold your foot in hot water and cut the callus. Repeat the procedure until such a defect disappears completely.

For a toothache

If you have a toothache, you can rub onion juice into the gums around the affected tooth.

For worms

It is recommended to eat 3 small heads of raw onions before breakfast to obtain anthelmintic treatment. The duration of such therapy is 4 days. You can also prepare an infusion. To do this, you need to finely chop 1 head, mix with a glass of cold water and leave it for 10-12 hours. Use the ready remedy before breakfast for 4 days in a row. Prepare a fresh solution for each day. The same infusion is used for enemas.

For the vessels

To clean the blood vessels and normalize blood pressure, you should combine an equal amount of grated onion and Cypress honey. Take the medicine by 1 tbsp. 3-4 times a day.

When the menstrual cycle malfunctions.

You need to take the husks of onions with 1 kg of vegetables, pour 400 ml of boiling water, simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. After cooling, filter the solution and use in the morning before eating 100 ml. Continue the therapy for 14 days.

Diabetes mellitus

It is recommended to cut 3 heads of shallots, pour them into 300 ml of warm water to insist overnight. Filtered composition to use 50 ml 3 times a day on an empty stomach.

When hemorrhoids.

Shallots are also used to treat hemorrhoids. In this case, you need to drink 1 tsp of onion juice before each meal.

Hair Masks with shallots

Shallots can be used to get hair masks. This plant is suitable for all types of hair. As a result of such compositions, hair grows better, gets shine and silkiness. In addition, dandruff disappears. To achieve a positive effect of the procedure, it is necessary to take a course of 30-40 procedures. You can use such masks every other day. To obtain a healing mass, mix 2 tbsp. onion juice with 1 tbsp. cognac, the same amount of kefir, sea salt, natural honey and burdock oil. The resulting mixture is applied to the scalp and distributed along the entire length of the curls. After that, put on a plastic cap and warm a towel on top. The mask should work for an hour.

To stimulate hair growth, you should combine onion juice and carrot and lemon squeeze in equal proportions. In addition, add 0.5 tsp. of almond and burdock oil, as well as 1 tsp. of dry yeast, previously soaked in 2 spoons of water, to the mask. Also keep on the hair for 60 minutes.

You can also mix 1 tbsp each of burdock oil, grated Ashkelon onion and tincture of hot pepper. You will also need 1 egg yolk, 5 drops of retinol, 1 tbsp. castor oil. After combining the above components, add 3 drops of sage oil.

Cosmetologists believe that the hair that is subjected to frequent coloring, blow drying and the use of other tools and cosmetics absorb the onion smell the most. To get rid of the unpleasant smell of shallots after using such masks, you need to mix water and apple cider vinegar in equal proportions. With the resulting composition, rinse the hair after washing off the therapeutic mask.

Culinary applications

Shallots are considered one of the most popular spices in the world. It can be used not only in its fresh state, but also in pickled and dried form. Most often it is included in soups, sauces and salads, used as a spice. The bulb of such a plant is characterized by a lilac color, which allows you to give a dish a variety of colors.

Pickled vegetable

It is possible to pickle Ashkelon onions. This method is the most common. To do this, the root crop must be blanched for 2 minutes, and then quickly cooled with cold water and peeled. To prepare the marinade, you need 1 liter of water, 1 tbsp of salt, 2 tbsp of sugar, a few peas of black pepper, a couple of clove sticks, and a few bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add 1 tsp of vinegar essence. This mixture pour into jars with onions and sterilize for a quarter of an hour. After that, cork the preparations. To make the coloring of the solution more beautiful, add a piece of beet to the jar.

Baked vegetable with honey

Shallots can also be baked with the addition of honey. In this case, you should chop the vegetable crop and place it in a mold. After that, mix honey with a small amount of oil and pour the resulting composition over the chopped onions. This dish can be supplemented with dried fruits and nuts. Bake in the oven at 150 degrees for 30 minutes.

Onion Cream Soup

Onion cream soup is also considered popular. To obtain it, you must first blanch 0.5 kg of product in lightly salted water. After that, the raw material is rinsed, squeezed and chopped with a mixer. Next, chop 5 onions and a garlic clove and pass it until it turns golden. Add 1.5 kg of spinach and fry the mass. Now, all you need to do is to mix the puree and the roast, salt it, season with spices and serve.

What can be substituted

This kind of onion is used in the preparation of dishes, sauces and salads, where the aroma and taste of this vegetable should not drown out the taste and aromatic properties of the main components. The shallot does not differ much from an ordinary onion, except for a more refined and delicate smell and taste. If the recipe specifies shallots, they can be replaced with ordinary onions or red onions. As for salads, you can also use green feathers of other varieties instead of the above ingredient.

How to Eat a Shallot

In cooking, both bulbs and young shoots of this culture are used. If you compare the shallot with its other congeners, it is not as spicy, contains more glucose and ascorbic acid. Its taste is also milder among all members of the Onion family.

The young feathers of the plant are juicy and have a delicate flavor. They are used for salads, pickled, stewed and fried dishes. Onions can be served with meat, fish, and vegetable crops. It is also used as a seasoning for marinades and wine vinegars.

For a quick peeling of onions, it is recommended to drop the onion in boiling water for a few minutes, after which the skin will be easily removed.

Harm and contraindications

This species should not be abused. It should be added to food in moderate quantities, because exceeding the allowable doses may provoke undesirable consequences. If after the use of this crop there were unpleasant symptoms, further consumption is possible only after consulting a doctor.

The vegetable is not able to cause great harm, but it is still important to consider some contraindications to the use of shallots.

First of all, you should limit the use in the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. If pancreatitis, colitis, gastritis are diagnosed, it is important to know that the amino acids in the composition of the root vegetable can have an irritating effect on the mucosa of the stomach and intestines.

Kidney and urinary system pathologies are also a restriction to the use of such a delicacy in large quantities. After all, its consumption leads to fluid stasis in the body and difficulty in urination.

How to choose and store

You should feel the onion before you buy it. A good product is indicated by a firm surface and weightiness. Dry and soft fruits will not keep for a long time.

If the shallot has sprouted bulbs, it indicates that the product is old.

Store such a vegetable crop should be in a well-ventilated room. In the refrigerator, such a plant will begin to sprout. In the freezer, it can be stored for up to three months. It is best to hang the raw material in a mesh stocking. With a dry room, the storage duration is two months.

Interesting Facts

1. Shallot onions are considered an aristocratic product. This is due to the fact that this variety has unique features and a lot of advantages. We are talking about thin feathers with a delicate taste and rich in vitamins composition.
2. The Egyptians used the crop as an ornamental plant because of its unusual flowers. More often than not, such root vegetables were planted in the temples of the gods. It has been noted that ministers who spent a lot of time there were very rarely sick.
3. The largest importer of shallots is considered to be India. Not a single meal there is without this healthy delicacy.
4. This variety of onion contains much more sugar than apples and pears.

Photo of shallots