Noticeable bulb (1–2 inches wide)
Longer, thicker green tops than scallions
Flavor: Stronger and sweeter than scallions—closer to a mild red or yellow onion, but still fresh.
How to use:
Grill or roast whole (brush with oil, char on the grill)
Sauté bulbs, use greens as garnish
Great in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian dishes
Tip: The bulb can be used like a regular onion; greens like scallions.
Key takeaway: Spring onions have a bulb; scallions don’t.
3. Chives
What they are: An herb (related to onions, garlic, and leeks), not a vegetable.
Appearance:
Very thin, solid (not hollow), grass-like green stems
No white base or bulb (grows from a clump)
Flavor: Delicate, oniony, and subtle—much milder than any onion.
How to use:
Always raw or added at the very end of cooking (heat destroys flavor)
Perfect for garnishing soups, baked potatoes, deviled eggs, creamy dips
Snip with scissors—never chop with a knife (bruises them)
Varieties:
Common chives: Onion flavor
Garlic chives: Flat leaves, garlicky taste (used in Asian cuisine)
Key takeaway: Chives are an herb—use them fresh, never cooked.
Quick Reference Guide
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TYPE
BULB?
HOLLOW STEMS?
FLAVOR STRENGTH
BEST USED
Scallions / Green Onions
No
Yes
Mild
Raw or lightly cooked
Spring Onions
Yes (small)
Yes
Medium-sweet
Grilled, roasted, sautéed
Chives
No
No (solid)
Very mild
Raw only—as garnish
Pro Tips for Cooking
Don’t substitute chives for scallions in cooked dishes—they’ll disappear flavor-wise.
Use spring onions when you want more onion punch (e.g., in frittatas or grain bowls).
Store scallions upright in a jar with water (like flowers)—they’ll stay crisp for over a week!
Freeze chopped scallions for cooking (not garnish)—they lose crispness but keep flavor.
The Bottom Line
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While these four share an oniony family resemblance, they each bring something unique to the table:
Scallions/green onions: Your everyday all-purpose green onion
Spring onions: For when you want a little more oniony heft
Chives: A delicate finishing touch—nature’s green confetti
“Good cooking isn’t about fancy ingredients—it’s about using the right one at the right time.” 
Now you can shop and cook with confidence—no more guessing at the grocery store!
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