No. 4022 — Growing Shallots
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 4022 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
The author says this small, pleasantly flavoured onion variety was introduced from Palestine. In the local climate it rarely flowers or produces seed but multiplies well by bulbs.
At the end of September plant fresh, not overly small bulbs in rich soil that has not been freshly manured, which the author says may cause rot.
For a bed about four feet wide, set bulbs in rows six inches apart with the shoots level with the soil surface and smooth the earth.
Weed and loosen the soil between the emerging plants in spring.
When leaves yellow and begin to fall, lift the shallots, dry them in a windy place and clean them.