Traditional shallots

Production area

Centre-Val de Loire

Originally from Central Asia, this plant in the same family as garlic and onion has been cultivated in France for centuries. But in our own way! That is, from bulbs, not seeds, and planted and harvested by hand. There are two main varieties on the shelves, one seasonal (from July to December), the other not, and there are hundreds of uses for this essential ingredient of French cuisine!

What you need to know

The shallot has been in France for almost 1,000 years. As far back as the 12th century, Brittany and the Loire Valley were already enjoying shallots. Since then, it has remained a staple in the kitchen, provided that it is produced according to industry standards and thus has the appellation of traditional shallot. For this, the bulbs are planted by hand, from October to November or February to April, in loose, well-drained soil. A few months later, the shallots are harvested by hand and put to dry in the sun for a few days, before being sorted and stored. In France, there are two main varieties: gray and pink. The gray, essentially cultivated in the south and the east of France, is characterized by its seasonality (from July to December), very limited production, small size, light tunic, white flesh and rather powerful notes. The pink variety, widely used, is available all year long, in different versions: long, with a fine and marked taste; half-long, with milder flavors, and round... The choice is yours!

Characteristics

Look

An intact, dry and shiny copper-colored skin or tunic, and white to purple flesh.

Touch

A heavy and, above all, firm bulb.

Taste

Flavors, more or less pronounced and fine, depending on the variety and age. The older the shallot, the stronger and more pungent its taste.

Nutritional benefits

The traditional shallot is rich in carbohydrates. Hence its natural ability to caramelize well! It is also slightly sulfurous, which promotes blood circulation.

Editor's note

« Another country is in the news for its shallots: Japan! There, a micro-production of barely 60 kg per year is fermented in the open air after harvesting, before being glazed with cane sugar. The result? A coal black bulb, melting at will, with an attack of caramel and licorice... »

How to use

Storage

For days on end, well dry, without piling them on top of each other.

Preparation

The shallot needs to be peeled. Simply remove its outer skin, which is too dry to be eaten.

Use

Take note, this is a key ingredient! The traditional shallot is used in the composition of many great classics of French gastronomy, from the Béarnaise, beurre blanc or Bordelaise sauces to the bavette steak with shallots, as well as the eponymous vinegar served with oysters. This ageless repertoire is complemented by many other uses of this condiment: raw, in a salad, roasted in the oven as a Tatin, candied in the pan as a compote...