Traditional French shallot sets

Traditional French shallot sets

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Like garlic and onions, shallots are part of the Liliaceae, or the lily family. They are native to Central Asia and have been grown since ancient times. Appreciated for their beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, they also aid digestion.  

There two main types of shallots: the grey shallot and the Jersey shallot. 

The Jersey shallot, also known as the traditional shallot  

The long shallot

The bulb of the long shallot is elongated and regular, with coppery-yellow skin and strongly coloured flesh. It has a very refined flavour with a strong aroma. The long shallot matures earlier than the half-long shallot.

 Longor long Jersey shallot

The half-long shallot

The bulb of the half-long shallot is more rounded, with pinkish or reddish coloured skin.

 Half-long Jersey shallot

The round shallot

This is the least common variety. The round shallot is mainly grown in eastern France. 

 Round Jersey shallot

The grey shallot 

Grown mainly in the south and east of France, the grey shallot has a strong flavour and an average shelf life (6 to 7 months). 

 Grey shallot