Shallots Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)

CONSTITUTIONAL & METABOLIC INSIGHTS

Shallots are cooling topically but heating internally. They are a strong laxative when raw, and a mild laxative when cooked. Raw shallots are a strong diaphoretic, meaning they flush the pores of the skin and induce sweating. The laxative and diaphoretic qualities of raw onion are particularly useful for a late spring cleanse whenever the feet or hands feel swollen.

Psychological Effects of Shallots

Shallots are grounding and can make a person sleepy (tamasic) when cooked. Cooked or raw, shallots stimulate desire (rajasic). They are considered an aphrodisiac. The longer they cook the sweeter and less Pitta aggravating they become.

About Shallots

Like all roots cooked shallots brings a grounding feel. Shallots have a sweeter and more delicate than their larger red, yellow and white onion cousins.

Cooking Shallots

Shallots are mostly water. When sauting, the water in the onions keeps the temperature of the oil close to boiling. As they cook, the shallots progress from opaque to translucent, then slices get dessicated and thin. As the water in the onions boils off, the temperature begins to the rise and the shallots start to brown. Keeping shallots close together in the center of the pan will help onions brown at the same rate.

Buying & Preparation

As they rot, onions can get mushy and the outer layer soft and smelly. Be careful to look for mold. I chop the tips, slice in half, then peel. Finally, I slice the onions very thin for maximum flavor, or coarsely chopped for texture. When served raw, I thinly slice or finely chop the shallots.