chives

That's why he is known and loved all over the world.

Chives are cut just above the ground, then they can sprout again, allowing for continuous harvesting.

It is best harvested when the leaves are about 15 to 20 cm long.

Origin & Season

The original origin of chives is not definitively established.

Today it grows mainly in Central Europe and North America, but also in China.

In this country, it can be purchased fresh all year round.

It can be harvested outdoors, especially from May to October.

For the rest of the year, the market is supplied from the greenhouse.

During peak season, blue flowers grow, which can also be eaten.

However, one should not necessarily use the stems on which they grow, as they are relatively tough and thick.

Chives can often be bought in small pots.

When buying, you should make sure that the stalks are green, strong and upright.

And at home, you should be very sparing with watering.

The taste

• Chives have a refreshing taste.
• It tastes similar to spring onions.
• However, the taste is considerably more intense, which is only really noticeable when eating it on its own.

Use in the kitchen

Fresh chives should be cut into rolls either with scissors or with a knife.

Chopping chives should be avoided because this can cause the essential oils to be lost.

If you want to store fresh chives, you can wrap them in a damp kitchen paper or kitchen towel and keep them in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days.

Finely chopped chives can also be frozen.

However, the rolls should not be dried, as they will then lose almost all of their aroma.

• Chives are often used to season and garnish savory dishes.
• It also goes perfectly with salads and soups, giving them a slightly oniony flavor.
• Chives can be used to liven up butter, quark, yogurt and mayonnaise.
• Chives give creamy sauces that certain something.
• A very popular snack is a buttered bread roll with fresh chives.
• It is also often used to season omelets, fried eggs, egg salad or scrambled eggs.

However, chives are not suitable for frying or cooking.

It should ideally always be added just before serving.

Our recipe recommendations

The blue summer flowers of chives are also edible and are often mixed into summer salads.

Effect

Chives have a high content of vitamins A and C.

In addition, it contains many essential oils, such as pentanethiol, dipropyl disulfide and methylpentyl disulfide.

Chives can lower blood pressure and promote digestion.

If consumed in larger quantities, it can also have a laxative effect.

Otherwise, it relieves the symptoms of bloating.

Chives can also strengthen the bronchi and clear the airways.