FYI!
Shallots are often thought to be another variety of onion, but they are actually a species of their own. They grow in clusters, where separate bulbs are attached at the base and by loose skins. The shallot has a tapered shape and a fine-textured, coppery skin, which differentiates it from onions. Shallots were first introduced to Europeans during the 12th Century. Crusaders brought them home as hahaha8220;valuable treasurehahaha8221; from the ancient Palestinian city of Ascalon.
http://www.magicvalleygrowers.com/shallots/