Dateline 12th Century:

Crusaders returning from the Middle East bring back an epicurean
treasure from Ascalon, a town in South Palestine. It is a... well not really
an onion, so let's call it ????... A shallot. (Allium ascalonicum).

Shallots have a mild taste sweet taste, not bright and attention grab-
bing like a sweet onion, more subtle and comfortable whether fresh,
caramelized, pureed or cooked.

Shallots while in the same family as garlic and onion, are also a species
separate, as they grow or multiply like garlic with separate bulbs or
bunches attached at the base. The shallot is often smaller, more elon-
gated than an onion with copper, reddish, yellow or even gray skin. Once
you peel it, it divides into portions like garlic, rather than one bulb with
layers like an onion.

The French REALLY took to shallots, (just pick up a French cookbook) and
thus the French Red Shallot is the main variety of multipliers, others
being yellow, white or grey varieties Chicken Leg Shallot, and Dutch
Yellow.

For propagation we use shallot "true seed" (like an onion) developed by
**(de Groot en Slot bv). The seed is started in a greenhouse in February
and then transplanted in early spring. We do carry some multiplier
shallots for spring planting for those who prefer the multiplier. For
multiplier seed contact us the last 2 weeks of February and the first 2
weeks of March. info@augustsharvest.com or toll free 877 272 1742. (or
channel us if you are on the Shirley Mclaine frequency)

Shallots for Table use are mostly the Ambition variety;
3 lb $17 | 5lb $30 | 10 lb $50 | 40 lb $150 | 200 lb $600

** NOTE BENE:
A Dutch seed company specializing in onions and shallots (de Groot en
Slot bv)., released the first "true shallot seed". These are grown similarly
to onions but at closer spacing▓s of about 30-35 plants per foot of row.
These are replacing the original multipliers at a great pace across the
market. The seed produces one bulb and is said not to be able to grow
the next year although some farmers claim reasonable results from
time to time on replanting.

Shallot Recipes klik da link here