Shallot

Shallot, also ESCHALOT (Allium ascalonicum), a species of Allium—Onion—(q.v.), a native of the East, introduced into Europe by the Crusaders—from Ascalon, it is said—and much cultivated for its bulbs, which are used like those of the onion, and sometimes for its leaves, which are used like those of the clive. The leaves grow in tufts like those of the clive, but are larger. The shallot is generally propagated by the cloves, which are planted just beneath the surface of the ground, or only partially beneath it, in spring, and the crop is ready for gathering in July or August. The flavour resembles that of garlic, but is much milder. In the vineyards of Italy the shallot is naturalised.