A relative to the Onion - tasting similar but is sweeter and milder in flavour.
Smaller than regular brown onion.
Like onions, shallots also irritate your eyes when sliced.
If peeled it divides into cloves like garlic.
Commonly used in cooking and pickling.

Choose shallots that are firm and heavy for their size, not dry and light.
Avoid those with soft spots or signs of sprouting.
The smaller younger shallots are usually milder in taste.

Source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C & Calcium.
Provides 301kj / 100g.

Store them in a cool, dry, dark place with some air circulation. 
If they sprout - you can still use them - just remove the green sprouts.