Sometimes I see the word 'scallions' in older recipes and in that case, I use green onions. When shallots are on the ingredient list, I use shallots. Both green onions and shallots are readily available in our area.

Scallions and green onions refer to the same thing, if it's a non-bulb variety. Green onions can also refer to onions or spring onions which are pulled as sprouts before the bulb forms. They look like baby leeks, and the green part is often substituted for chives when the latter aren't available.

Shallots are the little, heavy brown skinned onion cousin which often has 2-3 lobes/cloves, and has a delicate but intense flavor. The inside generally has some purple edges along with the white flesh.

Personally, I would use a mild white onion instead of shallots, rather than any kind of green onion.

I'm wondering how you know the two different things are being confused. Do they include a picture of scallions/green onions and label them shallots? Or a picture of shallots and label them green onions?

Sally

I'm wondering how you know the two different things are being confused. Do they include a picture of scallions/green onions and label them shallots? Or a picture of shallots and label them green onions?

Sally

Remember what I posted on the cream pie thread...pictures are "styled" if a piece of green onion would look good in the picture the stylist puts it in, even though the recipe calls for shallots.
My mother grew shallots and often used them as "green onions" before the bulb formed.

Here we call green onions scallions and vice versa

I've never noticed shallots being subbed for or confused with green onions/scallions. There is quite a discernible difference.

I'm sure Linda has the right of it, that shallots pulled up green, the way her mother did, is probably what they meant. That is one of the definitions of
"green onions", which can apply to any kind of onion. Also, in recipe books in the old days they often just used pretty pictures without necessarily following the recipe to show what it makes, exactly, or even making it for that book rather than using stock photos. Unlike the advertising of foods, I don't think there is any obligation other than meeting the readers' expectations, to show the exact food.

Apparently it's a part of the south that uses that vernacular. Justin Wilson would take some green onions (which some call scallions, some call spring onions and I think there's a couple other names tossed around too), show them to the camera and say something to the effect of Den you add some shal-LOTS. Most you people call dem "green on-yones" not knowin' no better.

And I knew someone (RIP) who called those things with the green tops "scunnions"....covering all bases, I guess.:-)

Funny.

Justin Wilson was one of a kind. What a hoot.

Sally

I've never noticed a recipe confusing shallots with green onions. Scallions and Green onions are used interchangeably.

I know they use shallots a lot on the Food Network and I have never even seen them in my grocery store!

ssdarb, you state the picture was of the finished meal with green onions showing. If the meal pictured was the finished meal, then the green onion could have been being served with the meal.