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With a more delicate onion flavor, fresh chives won't
overpower your recipes. Add them to soups, salads and dips, or mix with
cream cheese (a classic combination).
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Chives are the bright green, thin, hollow leaves of
the
Allium Schoenoprasum, a flowering plant in the
onion family. Commonly used as an
herb garnish, chives carry a mild, aromatic onion
flavor that doesn't overpower foods. Chives are also included in "
fines
herbes," a traditional mixture of herbs essential to French
cuisine.
A Little Bite of History
The ancient Chinese used chives as long as 3,000 years ago, and since
then, much legend has surrounded the small, grass-like plant. The
Romans believed chives could relieve pain from a sunburn or sore throat,
and Romanian gypsies used chives in fortune telling. It was also
believed that hanging bunches of dried chives around the home would
ward off disease and evil.
Varieties
The most common variety, regular
chives, are considered to be
European chives. Another variety, called
garlic or
Chinese chives, have broader, flat leaves and a noticeable
garlic flavor. In Chinese cuisine, these are commonly used in long cuts
and tossed into
stir-fry and other cooked dishes.
Buying Tips
Chives can be found near other fresh herbs in produce section of most
supermarkets year-round. Look for uniformly sized leaves that are
evenly green in color. Avoid dry or wilting chives that show signs of
yellowing. Chives are also available freeze-dried in the spice aisle,
but they don't carry much flavor in this form.
Storage Tips
Place fresh chives in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Don't wash or cut them until ready to use.
If you have an abundance of chives growing in your garden, you can freeze the extras.
Wash and dry completely, then chop and place in an airtight container
or freezer bag for up to 12 months.
Usage Tips
Heat lessens the flavor of chives–add them to cooked dishes at the last moment.
Serving Tips
• Sprinkle chopped chives over tomato soup, chili or
vichyssoise.
• Add to
coleslaw or potato, tuna and egg salads.
• Toss with buttered noodles or rice.
• Mix into
sour cream or cream cheese dips.
• Add to melted
butter and drizzle over squash,
carrots and peas.
Substitution Tips
• Chopped scallions can be used in place of chives, but the onion flavor will be more pronounced.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives = 1 teaspoon dried.
