Shallots are a member of the onion family, but formed more like garlic than onions. They grow in clusters, where separate bulbs are attached at the base and by loose skins. A shallot looks like a small, elongated onion with a copper, reddish, or gray skin. When peeled, shallots separate into into cloves like garlic.
Shallots are favored for their mild onion flavor, and can be used in the same manner as onions. They can be added to almost any dish that calls for onion.
Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid and also contain calcium, iron and protein in large quantities. (shallots.com)
