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rakkyo

Scientific Name: Allium chinense

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Rakkyo (Allium chinense)

Rakkyo, also known as Chinese Onion, Chinese Scallion, Oriental Onion, Jiao Tou/Chiao Tou (Chinese), or Cu Kieu (Vietnamese), is a plant with the scientific name Allium chinense. It is closely related to onions and chives.

Considerations for Pets

  • Rakkyo belongs to the onion family.
  • Onions, including rakkyo, are known to be hazardous for some animals.

Considerations for Children

  • Rakkyo is often pickled and consumed as a condiment, particularly with Japanese curry.
  • Pickled vegetables may present a choking hazard for young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Allium chinense
  • Family: Alliaceae (Onion family)
  • Synonyms: A. bakeri, A. splendens

Common Names

  • Rakkyo
  • Chinese Onion
  • Chinese Scallion
  • Oriental Onion
  • Jiao Tou/Chiao Tou (Chinese)
  • Cu Kieu (Vietnamese)
  • Japanese Scallion

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Asia, particularly China and Japan.
  • Sakyu-Rakkyo are specifically produced on sand dunes in Fukube cho, Tottori, Japan.
  • Grown and used mainly by people of Asian descent in some countries.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Rakkyo is a hardy multiplying onion.
  • It produces small bulbs, averaging about 3/4 inch tall and thick.
  • The plant closely resembles chives, with bright green, hollow leaves that enlarge at the base to form small bulbs.
  • It does not produce seeds.

Uses

  • Primarily cultivated for its bulbs, which are often pickled.
  • Commonly served as a pickle with Japanese curry rice.
  • The green parts are also used in cooking.
  • Rakkyo fructan, a fructose polymer derived from the plant, has been studied for use as a cryoprotectant.

Quirky Facts

  • In Japan, Rakkyo is often associated with Japanese curry, where it's typically served as a pickled accompaniment.
  • There's even an actor in Japan named Rakkyo Ide.