A bulbous vegetable, of pungent smell and taste, and highly prized in the East. The Jews acquired a liking for it in Egypt, Numbers 11:5. One variety, called the eschalot, or shallot, was introduced into Europe from Ascalon.

(Heb. shum, from its strong odour), mentioned only once (Numbers 11:5). The garlic common in Eastern countries is the Allium sativum or Allium Ascalonicum, so called from its having been brought into Europe from Ascalon by the Crusaders. It is now known by the name of "shallot" or "eschalot."

(Numbers 11:5) is the Allium sativum of Linnaeus, which abounds in Egypt.