Vengayam, pyaz in Hindi, is the onion, and the small shallots of Tamil sambar, chinna vengayam, are a group within the same species. India is the world’s second-largest onion grower, and Lasalgaon near Nashik is Asia’s biggest onion market. Onion prices are a political issue in India, and export bans are common when prices spike. Cutting onions makes the eyes water because of a sulphur gas released by enzymes.
- Botanical name
- Allium cepa L.
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Tamil
- Vengayam
- Hindi
- Pyaz
- Sanskrit
- Palāṇḍu
- Parts used
- Bulb, Green leaves
- Habit
- Cultivated onion and shallot
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Vengayam
It is a biennial grown as an annual, with hollow, tubular blue-green leaves.
The bulb is made of swollen leaf bases in layers, with papery outer skins of red, pink, yellow or white.
In its second year it sends up a tall, hollow stalk topped by a round head of small white flowers.
Shallots form clusters of small bulbs instead of one large bulb.
Garlic bulbs are divided into cloves within a shared skin.
Traditional use of Vengayam
Kitchen
Fried onions are the base of most North Indian gravies, and onion pakoras and bhajis are favourite snacks.
Indian food practice
Kitchen
Small shallots, chinna vengayam, are cooked whole in sambar and vatha kuzhambu.
Tamil food practice
Kitchen
Spring onion leaves are used as a green in salads and stir-fries.
Indian and East Asian food practice
Modern notes on Vengayam
Cutting releases syn-propanethial-S-oxide, a gas that irritates the eyes and causes tears.
Red onions contain anthocyanins and quercetin.
Rabi onions harvested in spring store better than kharif onions.
Vengayam safety
Onions are a safe food for people, but are toxic to dogs and cats. Chilling onions before cutting reduces tears.
Ecology and sourcing
It was domesticated in Central Asia.
Bees pollinate onion seed crops.
Bulbing is triggered by day length, so varieties suit different latitudes.
Related plants
Also in Amaryllidaceae
Questions about Vengayam
Are shallots onions?
Yes, a group within the same species.
Why do onions make you cry?
They release an irritating gas when cut.
Are onions safe for pets?
No. They are toxic to dogs and cats.
Where is Lasalgaon?
Near Nashik, Maharashtra.
Can onion leaves be eaten?
Yes, as spring onions.
Sources
- Allium cepa L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q23485 (Allium cepa)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.