Question 1

What is Allium cepa cv. group Aggregatum?

Accepted Answer

Allium cepa cv. group Aggregatum is the botanical classification for shallots — a variety of onion that produces clusters of small bulbs rather than a single large one. It is cultivated across tropical Asia, including Sri Lanka, for culinary and medicinal purposes. The group is distinguished from standard onion varieties by its vegetative propagation and clustered bulb habit.

Question 2

Is the shallot used in Sri Lankan ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Allium cepa group Aggregatum is included in Sri Lanka's catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants. Traditional formulations use the bulbs to address digestive issues, respiratory complaints, and inflammatory conditions. The plant's organosulphur compounds and flavonoids are associated with these therapeutic applications in both classical texts and modern phytochemical research.

Question 3

What is the Sinhala name for shallots?

Accepted Answer

In Sinhala, shallots of this type are commonly called rathu lunu, meaning 'red onion' or 'red shallot.' They are a staple ingredient in Sri Lankan cooking and appear in curries, sambols, and condiments throughout the country.

Question 4

Where are shallots grown in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Shallots are cultivated mainly in the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, particularly in the North Central and Northern provinces. The sandy loam soils and defined dry season in these regions are well-suited to bulb development. Home garden cultivation is also widespread across other parts of the island.

Question 5

What are the health benefits of shallots in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Ayurvedic tradition considers shallots to have heating and stimulating properties useful for balancing vata and kapha constitutions. They are used in decoctions and expressed juice preparations for colds, coughs, and digestive complaints. Modern phytochemical studies have identified quercetin, allicin precursors, and anthocyanins in shallots, all of which are subjects of ongoing health research.

Question 6

How do shallots differ from regular onions botanically?

Accepted Answer

Both shallots and standard onions belong to the species Allium cepa, but shallots are classified under the cultivar group Aggregatum because they form clusters of small offset bulbs from a single mother bulb rather than one large bulb. They are generally milder in flavour and smaller in size than common onions, and they are typically propagated vegetatively rather than from seed.

Question 7

Can I learn about ayurvedic plants while visiting Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many ayurvedic wellness centres across Sri Lanka maintain herb gardens featuring medicinal plants from the traditional pharmacopoeia, including shallots. Village agricultural tours in the dry zone also offer opportunities to observe these plants in cultivation. Lakpura can incorporate visits to such sites within a broader itinerary across the island.