The shallot is grown internationally and known botanically as Allium cepa var. They are a form of onion that is propagated vegetatively by bulbs. Generally shallots are sweeter and not as strongly flavoured as standard onions. Although there are no named cultivars available in New Zealand, shallots have been exported for more than a decade. The present industry is restricted due to reduced bulb size and storage rots.
Markets require a bulb large enough to be held and peeled easily.
Storage rot problems limit the potential of the crop, and the quality of seed bulbs. New varieties Two new shallot varieties have been imported from France for trialling in New Zealand conditions. Early indications are that both varieties produce much larger bulbs than the present New Zealand clones. Bulbs of the new varieties will be stored with standard New Zealand clones to compare their keeping quality. Storage conditions will also be investigated in the future.