Why are shallots so expensive?

[Seedersandleechers]

$5.95 were I live in the midwest, and it's been expensive for a very long time. I came upon this reply to the question above from yahoo answer and couldn't find any data to back up the notion that growing shallots commercially in the US is illegal.


HALFWAY-to-ITALIA answered 5 years ago

Shallots are more expensive than the regular yellow onion because, truthfully, of politics. As you probably know shallots are not grown in the US for a variety of reasons. The first being they simply do not grow too well here. Second, the commercial growing of shallots is prohibited in the US (I will get to this in a minute) And finally, it is much cheaper to import them from other countries.
As stated, the commercial growing of shallots is prohibited in the US. This is mostly because of the harmful growing conditions of shallots. When sunlight interacts with the roots of the shallot plant, nitrogen dioxide is released into the air (a very small amount) However, when nitrogen dioxide comes into contact with water, hydrochloric acid is formed, which is very dangerous. Now this does not affect the shallot, but the farmers. The danger that is present in the growing of shallots is enough reason for the US to prohibit commercial growing of shallots and for them to be very expensive.
I hope I answered your question!
And by the way you can substitute regular yellow onions with shallots, its completely fine.

Have a great day!




https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090930151637AA1uaLy

[northoftheborder]

1. Interesting. Shallots are good in recipes when garlic would be too strong,

....and onion doesn't quite....substitute. Guess I won't try growing any! Maybe just use a little garlic along with the onion when you don't want to use shallots. They are expensive.