Shallot is a type of onion. It is a botanical variety of the species Allium cepa. The shallot was previously classified as a separate species, A. ascalonicum. Shallot is a member of the family Alliaceae. Nowadays, shallot is cultivated in many countries (it is especially popular in the Western Europe).
Leaves and bulbs of the shallot contain sugars, vitamins, essential oils. Chemical composition of the shallot does not differ a lot from that of the common onion, but the shallot contains more sugars, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and mineral substances. It has high dietary value, and its medicinal properties are higher than those of the common onion. Shallot has positive effect on eyesight as it contains carotene; shallot improves the state of eye muscles, retina and crystalline lens. That onion is also an effective antioxidant; it takes toxins out of the organism, delays cell aging. Due to the high content of flavonols, shallot is considered as an important medicine that suppresses the growth of tumor cells. Shallot improves general