[6] Its close relatives include the onion, scallion, leek, chive, and garlic.

[7] Allium chinense is native to China (in Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang provinces).

[3][8][9] Owing to its very mild and "fresh" taste, A. chinense is often pickled and served as a side dish in Japan and Vietnam to balance the stronger flavor of some other component in a meal.

[10] In Vietnam, pickled A. chinense, known as củ kiệu, is often served during Tết (Lunar New Year).

Glass bottles of white rakkyō bulb pickles are sold in Asian supermarkets in North America.