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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Jennifer Wong

Lots of shallots: why do spring onions come in such big bunches – and how can I use them all?

Close-up of a bed of spring onions
If you’ve ever wondered why spring onions come in such large bunches, the answer has to do with the ideal size of a single onion, and the size of an adult’s hand. Photograph: Oleg Breslavtsev/Getty Images

Buying a bunch of spring onions (sometimes known as shallots – more on that later) can often feel like a race against time. The bunches are big, yet recipes sometimes only call for a sprig or two.

If you’ve ever wondered why spring onions come in such large bundles, the answer has to do with two things: the ideal size of a spring onion and the size of an adult’s hand.

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