shallot

The term "shallot" can refer to two distinct subjects:

1. Shallot (plant): This is a mildly aromatic plant of the amaryllis family, grown for its edible bulbs. It is a variety of onion, likely of Asiatic origin, used to flavor foods, especially meats and sauces. The bulbs are small, typically less than 5 cm long, and have a mild flavor. The plant's leaves can also be eaten when green.1

2. Shallot (organ pipe): In the context of a pipe organ, a shallot is a component of a reed pipe. It is a roughly cylindrical piece with an open upper end and a closed lower end. A thin brass tongue is fixed to the upper end and covers a slit, or shallot opening. When wind enters, it forces the tongue against the opening, creating rapid pulsations that produce sound.2