My mother-in-law asked me to pick up green onions from the store. When I got home, she said I’d bought scallions instead and refused to use them. She was pretty rude about it. I honestly thought they were the same thing—are they actually different, or just different names for the same thing?

2. Spring Onions
What they are: A slightly more mature version of scallions with a small bulb.

Appearance:

• Small but visible bulb (about 1–2 inches wide)
• Thicker, longer green tops

Flavor: Sweeter and more robust than scallions, similar to mild red or yellow onions.

Best uses:

• Grill or roast whole
• Sauté the bulbs and use the greens as a garnish
• Common in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cooking

Tip: Use the bulb like an onion and the greens like scallions.

✅ Key takeaway: Spring onions have a bulb; scallions do not.

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🌿 3. Chives
What they are: An herb related to onions, garlic, and leeks.

Appearance:

• Very thin, solid, grass-like stems
• No bulb or white base

Flavor: Soft, subtle onion flavor—much milder than onions or scallions.