This is the true, ancient pearl onion, but is seldom grown today. Its German name is perlzwiebel. This bulb is composed of many bulblets of varying sizes and compares in size with a head of garlic. Bulblets were pickled in Germany, Holland, and Italy. Bulblets are solid, unlike the current pearl onion, which is A. cepa with tunicate [layered] bulbs, which has completely displaced it in commerce.

Growers should be aware that when bulbs are dug, it is almost inevitable that some tiny bulblets will be overlooked and will grow the following season. One prominent Illinois market grower is experimenting with it for his numerous chef customers who are always seeking novel produce.