Are Negi the same as Leeks?

Do you know what kind of seeds these are? 

These little black seeds might look similar to onion or leek, but they contain the genetic ingredients for the succulent, hollow leaves and long white stalks of Long Negi.

While related, Negi is a different species from its Allium cousins – A. fistulosum is characterized by its non-bulbing nature and hollow green tops. 

The tops are the visual key to differentiate Negi from Leeks: Negi has hollow tops, while Leeks have flat, rigid tops. Of course if you taste the white layers of the shank you will also be able to tell the difference as well. 

Here are some more Allium species you might know: 

• Allium ampeloprasum: リーキ・Leeks
• Allium cepa: 玉ねぎ・Onions, Shallots (sometimes scallions)
• Allium fistulosum: ネギ・Negi (sometimes scallions)
• Allium × proliferum: わけぎ・Wakegi (Tree Onions, Walking Onions, Egyptian Onions) -- This is a hybrid between A. cepa and A. fistulosum 
• Allium sativum: ニンニク・Garlic
• Allium schoenoprasum: チャイブ・Chives
• Allium schoenoprasum var. Foliosum: あさつき・Asatsuki, a Japanese variety of Chives
• Allium tuberosum: ニラ・Nira, or Chinese Chives

We'll be sharing more details about Negi – do you have questions? Let us know in the comments.