What is the difference between leeks and green onions

You may unsubscribe at any time. Newsletter Shop Help Center. General Discussion. Log In Sign Up. Leeks Scallions What's the Difference? Want to stay up to date with this post? Log In or Sign Up to comment. Leeks, on the other hand, have a taste that feels more oniony, but tastes more garlicky when cooked. There's also a big difference in how each vegetable should be cooked.

Scallions are best when they are grilled, added to a stir-fry, or in salads via Spoon University and Chowhound. Another difference between the two? Scallions are in peak season during the summer, while leeks are in peak season during October via Bon Appetit and Just A Taste. How do leeks and scallions differ? Long-day onions begin forming bulbs when daylight lasts hours.

They are usually pungent, often store well for many months, and are usually grown in the North. Day-neutral onions are a cross of the two types. Onions can be started from seeds, sets and plants. Shallots have a subtle flavor that is much milder than onions or garlic--and are a favorite of gourmet cooks.

Like green onions, their green shoots and bulbs are edible--and the green shoots can be used as a green onion or scallion substitute. While shallots can be grown from seed, growing them from sets is often easiest. After harvest, cured bulbs can be stored for up to six months. Leeks look like overgrown green onions, but have a milder, more delicate flavor than onions.

The white base and green stalk are used for cooking in creamy soups, fresh, stocks and more. Leeks can be direct seeded outdoors or started indoors and transplanted into the garden.

Thinning during the growing allows the plant to grow much larger. After harvest, leeks can keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks--or they can be dried for storage. Onions, shallots and leeks are not considered interchangeable when it comes to cooking.

Make sure you use whichever your recipe calls for, as the distinct flavor of each may alter the taste of your dish.