My mother-in-law asked me to pick up green onions from the store. When I got home, she said I’d bought scallions instead and refused to use them. She was pretty rude about it. I honestly thought they were the same thing—are they actually different, or just different names for the same thing?

Fresh

Slightly sweet

Less sharp than mature onions

How to Use

Raw in salads, salsas, and garnishes

Added to stir-fries, soups, or omelets (usually at the end of cooking)

Tip: Both the white and green parts are edible. The white section has a stronger onion flavor, while the green tops are more delicate.

What Are Spring Onions?

Spring onions are slightly more mature than scallions. They have started forming a small round bulb at the base.

Appearance

Small, noticeable bulb (about 1–2 inches wide)

Thicker green tops

Flavor

Stronger than scallions

Slightly sweeter

Closer to a mild red or yellow onion

How to Use

Grill or roast whole

Sauté the bulbs

Use the greens as garnish

Spring onions are popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian dishes.

Key difference: Spring onions have a bulb. Scallions do not.

What Are Chives?

Chives are not vegetables — they are herbs. They belong to the same family as onions, garlic, and leeks but are much more delicate.

Appearance

Very thin, grass-like green stems

Solid inside (not hollow like scallions)

No white bulb

Flavor

Very mild

Light onion taste

Subtle and delicate

Next