You've probably seen chives in the grocery store, but you're not sure what to do with them. They are a delicious and healthy addition to any dish! In this blog post, we will share how everything you need to know about this beautifully flavored herb, from what it is to how to grow and how to use it!
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What Are Chives?
Chives are flowering green plant with dark green stems and light purple blossoms that is classed as a herb. It belongs to the allium family (scientific name Allium schoenoprasum, allium genus). Chive stems are often used as a garnish or as a flavoring in soups, salad dishes, and other specialties like deviled eggs.
They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid, and can be grown indoors or outdoors. When harvesting them, be sure to cut the leaves back to about an inch above the ground to encourage new growth.
The edible leaves of this plant have a strong green color, and, while they can be used raw, unlike scallions and green onions they do not have a very strong oniony flavor, but a more delicate one (less risk of onion breath!). These green tops can often be found mixed with cream cheese or sprinkled on top of fish dishes, and usually last about a week when stored well in the fridge, however, they can be dried or frozen for later use, too.
How To Cook With Chives
Chives can be used in so many different ways, but often they are just chopped and added to the recipes raw.
Here is a short guide on how to cook with fresh chives.
- They can be used as a garnish for just about any dish. If you're looking to add a bit of an oniony flavor and color to your meal, simply chop some up and sprinkle them on top.
- They are also a great addition to salad recipes as they have a mild onion taste that can really liven up a simple green salad.
- They can be used in place of white, red or yellow onions (allium cepa) in many recipes. If you're looking to add a bit of tang to your recipe without the stronger flavor, simply substitute chives.
- They can also be cooked and they are delicious sauteed or stir fried in a bit of butter or olive oil! Add them chopped to your stir-fries along with your other veggies and garlic for the ultimate trick in Asian cooking.
- They are also a great addition to soups and stews recipes. Simply add them in towards the end of cooking so they don't lose their flavor.
What Do Chives Taste Like?
Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes, that have a mild onion flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
The green part can be used in many different dishes, but they are most commonly used as a baked potato garnish or topping. They can also be added to a simple salad, rich veggie soups, and stews for a touch of delicate flavor, as they are a healthy addition to any meal.
How To Store Chives
Chives are a perennial plant, which means they come back every year, and can be stored in several ways.
You can place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, or you can place them in a jar of water on the windowsill, keeping them like a bouquet of flowers.
You can also freeze them, which is the best way to store chives long term. To freeze them, cut them into small pieces and place them in a freezer bag or in a jar, after washing them and drying them. When you are ready to use them, simply thaw the required amount and add it to your side dish or main meal.
How To Grow Chives
They are easy to grow and can be planted in either the spring or fall.
- To Grow them Indoors
Place the chives in the pot and cover them with 1-2 inches of soil. You will need a sunny spot, and to water them regularly.
- To Grow them Outdoors
You will need a spot that gets full sun. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep and place the chives in, then cover with 1-2 inches of soil and water regularly.
To Harvest
Simply cut them at the base of the plant with a sharp knife.
Where To Buy Chives?
When purchasing them, look for bright green-colored leaves that are free from brown spots. They can be purchased in most supermarkets, farmers' markets, as well as online shopping sites.
Substitute For Chives
Some of the best substitutes for chives are green onions, garlic, and scallions.
They have a milder flavor than most other onions, making them ideal for use in salads, soups, and as a garnish for baked potatoes.
Green onions and scallions are more pungent compared to the flavor of chives and are often used in Asian cuisine, however, have a similar flavor.
Garlic is another strong-flavored alternative.
When substituting chives for another ingredient, it is important to consider the other flavors involved in the recipe and how they will be affected by the change; they can be used fresh or dried, but their flavor is more pronounced when they are used fresh.
If substituting dried for fresh, use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe.
Chives Vs Green Onions what's the difference
Chives and green onions are both members of the onion family; they have a mild, onion-like fresh flavor and are used as herbs in the kitchen. The first are taller and have a slender, cylindrical stem. Green onions are shorter with a round stem.
They both can tolerate heat, which means that they can be in areas that are hot without dying.
Chives are a green grass-like plant, while green onions are immature onions that have not yet formed bulbs. They are harvested while still short and have a cylindrical shape.
FAQs
They are green in color with a long stem and pointed leaves.
Chives are used as a flavoring in food and are also used as a medicinal herb.
They are cool-weather grass, so they are best harvested in the spring or fall. If you live in a warm climate, you can also harvest them in the winter, by simply snipping off the leaves with a sharp knife or scissors and it is best to leave about an inch on top. They will regrow quickly, so you can harvest them multiple times per season. When storing chives, be sure to keep them in a cool, dark place. They can be stored in the refrigerator for around a week's time.
No, chives and green onions are not the same, as the first is a member of the onion family, while green onions are actually a type of scallion. While they may look similar, they have different flavors and uses in cooking. Chives have a milder onion flavor, while green onions have a slightly sweeter taste.
Wrap Up: Chives
- Chives are a type of onion that is used as an herb.
- They have a mild, onion-like flavor and are used in salads, soups, and as a garnish.
- They can be grown in the garden or indoors or purchased from the grocery store and can be stored in the fridge for around 7 days.
- When substituting chives for another ingredient, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish and how they will be affected by the change.
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