TYPE
BULB?
HOLLOW STEMS?
FLAVOR STRENGTH
BEST USED
Scallions / Green Onions
No
Yes
Mild
Raw or lightly cooked
Spring Onions
Yes (small)
Yes
Medium-sweet
Grilled, roasted, sautéed
Chives
No
No (solid)
Very mild
Raw only—as garnish
Pro Tips for Cooking
Don’t substitute chives for scallions in cooked dishes—they’ll disappear flavor-wise.
Use spring onions when you want more onion punch (e.g., in frittatas or grain bowls).
Store scallions upright in a jar with water (like flowers)—they’ll stay crisp for over a week!
Freeze chopped scallions for cooking (not garnish)—they lose crispness but keep flavor.
The Bottom Line
Continued on next page:
While these four share an oniony family resemblance, they each bring something unique to the table:
Scallions/green onions: Your everyday all-purpose green onion
Spring onions: For when you want a little more oniony heft
Chives: A delicate finishing touch—nature’s green confetti
“Good cooking isn’t about fancy ingredients—it’s about using the right one at the right time.” 🌱✨
Now you can shop and cook with confidence—no more guessing at the grocery store!
