Chives

Chives- What exactly are they?  Alliums- the scientific name of the family of plants that includes Chives, Spring Onions (Scallions) and Leeks grow all over the world in the wild and in gardens.  Many people consider them to be weeds- think wild onion with lavender blooms you’ll see in meadows and fields to Giant Alliums showing off regally in a border garden.

Using Chives in your recipes adds a distinct and subtle flavour- a mild onion and garlic flavour, in delicate soups, sauces, fish and egg dishes.  It is a gentle herb and you don’t want to over cook it, so I tend to add them towards the end of the cooking process to keep the flavours fresh and the colour vibrant.

Chives can take over a garden, and when established, need to be separated every three to four years if you want your other plants to have a chance. However, their appealing taste makes them more and more popular as intentional garden additions. The chives in our garden come up perennially-  we use them so quickly, they haven’t had the opportunity to take over the garden, yet.

In addition to their garlicky flavour, this herb also offer numerous health benefits worth knowing about.

Health Benefits (1)

Although chives are often used in small quantities as a garnish, the promising health benefits of these alliums suggest adding them into your diet more often. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of chives.

Prevent Cancer

Several studies have been produced which suggest that alliums, including chives, could help prevent or fight against cancer.

Prevent Osteoporosis

Chives are packed with Vitamin K, a critical component in bone density. Scientists are currently studying whether Vitamin K supplements are effective in treating osteoporosis, though it’s commonly used as an osteoporosis treatment in parts of Asia. Vitamin K is recommended in childhood and early infancy to improve bone density throughout life, and Vitamin A-containing foods, like chives, may help prevent osteoporosis from developing later in life.

Improve Memory

Chives contain both choline and folate. Individually, each of these components is linked to improving memory functions. Studies show that adults who eat more foods with choline in them do better on cognitive tests, while people with low levels of choline seem to be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.       

Fresh vs Dried?  I’ll always want to use fresh, however there are times when it’s tipping down rain outside and I can’t be bothered to go to the garden, and that is when dried chives come in handy!