zaro

Is Green Garlic the Same as Green Onions?

Published in Garlic vs. Onions 2 mins read

No, green garlic and green onions are not the same, despite their visual similarities.

Understanding the Differences

While both green garlic and green onions appear similar—long, slender green stalks—they are distinct plants with different flavors and origins. The key difference lies in their botanical classification and mature form.

  • Green Onions (Scallions): These are immature Allium cepa, the same species that produces common onions, harvested before the bulb fully develops. They have a milder, slightly oniony flavor.

  • Green Garlic: This is immature Allium sativum, the garlic plant, harvested before the bulb forms its characteristic cloves. It possesses a stronger, more pungent garlic flavor than green onions. Think of it as a young garlic plant, not a young onion.

The provided reference clarifies that green garlic resembles green onions in appearance, but fundamentally is immature garlic. This highlights the crucial distinction: different plant species resulting in vastly different taste profiles, despite similar immature forms.

Think of it like this: a baby oak tree and a baby maple tree might look similar when young, but they will grow into very different mature trees with distinct characteristics. Similarly, young garlic and young onions may share visual similarities, but their mature forms and flavors are completely different.