Green Onion (<em>Allium fistulosum</em>): An Aromatic Vegetable Crop Esteemed for Food, Nutritional and Therapeutic Significance

• Published in: Foods
• Main Authors: Seong-Hoon Kim, Jung Beom Yoon, Jiwon Han, Yum Am Seo, Byeong-Hee Kang, Jaesu Lee, Kingsley Ochar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
• Subjects: <i>Allium fistulosum</i>; bioactive compound; flavor; green onions; nutrition; phytochemical
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/24/4503

In recent years, there has been a shift towards a greater demand for more nutritious and healthier foods, emphasizing the role of diets in human well-being. Edible <i>Alliums</i>, including common onions, garlic, chives and green onions, are staples in diverse cuisines worldwide and are valued specifically for their culinary versatility, distinct flavors and nutritional and medicinal properties. Green onions are widely cultivated and traded as a spicy vegetable. The mild, onion-like flavor makes the crop a pleasant addition to various dishes, serving as a staple ingredient in many world cuisines, particularly in Eastern Asian countries such as China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The green pseudostems, leaves and non-developed bulbs of green onions are utilized in salads, stir-fries, garnishes and a myriad of culinary preparations. Additionally, green onions have a rich historical background in traditional medicine and diets, capturing the attention of chefs and the general public. The status of the crop as an important food, its culinary diversity and its nutraceutical and therapeutic value make it a subject of great interest in research. Therefore, the present review has examined the distribution, culinary, nutritional and therapeutic significance of green onions, highlighting the health benefits derived from the consumption of diets with this aromatic vegetable crop as a constituent.