What are the unknown characteristics of the unknown? Recommended recipes to enjoy the taste of spring

What is scallion?

Scallions are a type of green onion, but they have characteristics that make them different from regular green onions. What's particularly noteworthy is that they rarely flower or produce seeds, so they are propagated by dividing the plant. Because of this characteristic, scallions are known as "divided green onions," as their name suggests

What's the best season for green onions and how to choose them?

Although leeks are available in the market almost all year round, they are particularly in season from early spring to spring because they are somewhat sensitive to heat. When choosing leeks, it is important to choose ones that are neither too thick nor too thin, about the thickness of your little finger, with a clear contrast between the green and white parts

Nutritional value and health benefits

The green part of scallions is rich in carotene. They are also a healthy food source of vitamin C and calcium. They are softer and sweeter than green onions, making them easy to use in a variety of dishes

How to boil green onions

When cooking scallions, we recommend boiling them whole without cutting them. Place them in boiling water from the root to the leaf tips, along the side of the pot, then cover and boil for 2-3 minutes, steaming. After that, drain them in a colander without removing them from the water and fan them to cool. Boiling them this way will bring out the scallions' natural flavor and aroma to the fullest

Recommended Recipes

With its unique sweetness and softness, leeks can be used in a variety of dishes

Scallions and green onions dressed in vinegar and miso

Ingredients (4 servings, approximately 130kcal/serving)

• Scallions: 100g
• Green goat: 100g
• Vinegared miso (miso paste, vinegar, and beaten mustard): 5 tablespoons

How to make it

1. Preparing the scallions: Place the scallions whole into boiling water with a pinch of salt, starting with the root end, and blanch them. Once the leaves are fully submerged, blanch them to your desired doneness, then remove them to a colander and quickly cool them down by fanning them with a hand fan or similar object.
2. Preparing the scallions: Place the scallions horizontally on a cutting board with the leafy ends to the right. Using the tip of a knife, scrape them from left to right to remove the slime, then cut them into 2cm lengths. After that, squeeze out the excess water thoroughly.
3. Preparation of surf clams: Place the surf clams in a colander and rinse them lightly, then blanch them in boiling water. Transfer them to cold water, drain, and sprinkle with a little vinegar.
4. How to make vinegared miso: Mix vinegar and dissolved mustard into the paste and mix well to make vinegared miso. Mix 1/3 cup each of Saikyo miso and mirin with 3 tablespoons of sugar, put in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until thickened.
5. Mixing: Combine the scallions and surf clams prepared in steps ① and ③ with the vinegared miso dressing made in step ④. Then, arrange on a plate and it's ready.

This "Scallion and Green Goat Dressed in Vinegared Miso" is a dish in which the sweetness of the green onions and the refreshing taste of the green goat are perfectly matched with the flavor of the vinegared miso. Enjoy this refreshing and healthy dish, perfect for a spring meal

summary

With its unique nutritional value and flavor, scallions are an essential ingredient on the Japanese dining table. Why not try cooking with them, especially when they're in season, to make the most of their fresh flavor? Use the boiling methods and recipes introduced here to discover new charms of scallions