Chives
Chives are one of cooking's great pleasures. With a delicious flavor that tastes like a mix of onions and garlic and ton of nutrients, chives are truly the perfect herb.
What You Should Know About Chives
Chives belong to the lily family and are a close relative of onions, shallots, garlic, and leek. Chives’ oniony, garlic taste makes it an incredibly popular herb that pairs well with virtually any savory dish. Chives reach peak freshness, and flavor and are most nutritious when consumed in early summer.
Origins
Chives’ original home is in Central Asia, however, they have grown for centuries throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.
Seasonality
Fresh chives grow from May through October, and in greenhouses during off-seasons.
Flavor
Chives have a very spicy, slightly pungent taste, reminiscent of onion and garlic.
Find all our chive recipes here.
How Healthy Are Chives?
Like its onion family relatives, chives owe their unique taste and slight pungency to the sulfur substances contained in their stems. These provide a slightly antibacterial and germicidal effect and a positive effect on digestion. Chives are also a good source of vitamin C, containing 47 milligrams per 100 gram serving. The stalks also contain considerable amounts of minerals, especially potassium, which helps to regulate the body's fluid balance. Ready-made soups and salads and canned foods can be spiced up with fresh chives and, above all, enriched with vitamins and minerals at the same time.
| Chive Nutritional Info (100 g) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 27 |
| Protein | 3.6 g |
| Fat | 0.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.6 g |
| Fiber | 6.3 g |
Shopping and Cooking Tips
Shopping
Chives can be purchased frozen or dried, though this is not particularly recommended. The best way to enjoy chives’ delicious flavor is when they’re consumed fresh. You can also grow chives fresh in a pot; the trick is to keep the soil slightly moist, but never wet, and to always leave some of the stalks standing. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot on the windowsill or balcony.
Storage
The best way to keep chives fresh is to rinse them, shake them dry, and keep them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Preparation
Preparing chives is easy; simply rinse, shake them dry, and then cut them finely with a sharp knife.
What To Make With Chives
Chives are absolutely delicious in herb butter or combined with cheese, added to scrambled eggs and potato soup, or as a garnish on potato salad and fried potatoes. Basically, chives pair well with any savory ingredient or recipe.
