Hi, I’m Hasan, and I’ve been gardening for about 8 years. In this article, we’re diving into the world of chives.
You’ll learn about growing chives, their health benefits, and how to use them in your kitchen.
Let’s get started…
Table of Contents
An Overview
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a delightful herb known for their mild onion flavor and attractive purple flowers.
One of the great things about chives is how easy they are to grow. Whether you have a big garden or just a small pot, chives can thrive with regular watering and plenty of sunlight.
Fun Facts About Chives
- Used in fortune-telling by Romanian gypsies.
- Historically used to ward off evil spirits.
- Chive recipes date back around 5,000 years in China.
Cultivation
Sun: Chives love full sun, but they can also tolerate some shade. Aim for 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Water: Keep the soil moist but well-draining. While chives are drought-tolerant, they prefer to be well-watered.
Soil: Plant chives in rich, fertile soil with good drainage. Adding compost can help boost growth.
Indoors: If growing chives indoors, place them in a south-facing window to ensure they get enough light. Be cautious of direct sunlight through glass, as it can burn the leaves.
Growth Pattern: Chives grow quickly and need to be divided every 2-3 years. They can reach a height of 8 inches to 3 feet.
Propagation: You can start chives from seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, but dividing existing plants is the easiest method.
Harvesting: When chives reach about 6 inches tall, cut them 1-2 inches above the soil. Harvest in the morning for the best flavor.
Preserving: Chives can be frozen or dried for later use. To freeze, chop and spread them on a tray before placing them in a sealed container. To dry, chop and lay them out in the sun for about 6 hours.
Uses of Chives
Chives are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and beyond:
Culinary: Use the leaves in cheese, dips, eggs, salads, soups, and more. The flowers can be used in salads or to make chive blossom vinegar.
Medicinal: Chives contain iron, and vitamins, and have mild antibiotic properties. They promote digestion and can help cleanse the blood.
Household: Chives can act as an insect repellent and enhance the growth of some plants.
Health Benefits of Chives
- Digestion: Chives are rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.
- Heart Health: High levels of allicin help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Bone Health: Chives boost Vitamin K levels, important for bone density.
- Immune System: Vitamins C and E in chives support immune function.
- Eye Health: Chives contain lutein, which is essential for good eyesight.
How to Store Chives
To keep chives fresh, wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Only chop chives right before use to retain their nutrients. Chopped chives can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Tips for Using & Storing Chives
Trim chives to about an inch above the ground when harvesting.
Use fresh chives in baked potatoes, salads, soups, and herb butter.
The purple flowers can be added to salads or used as a garnish.
To make chive blossom vinegar, fill a jar halfway with rinsed chive blossoms and white wine vinegar.
After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid and discard the blossoms. This vinegar is great for dressings and marinades.
For long-term storage, freeze chives in ice cube trays with water or olive oil, or in plastic bags with the air removed.
Note that freezing affects texture, so thawed chives are best used in soups and sauces.
Conclusion
Growing and using chives is simple and rewarding.
They’re easy to cultivate, packed with health benefits, and add great flavor to many dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, chives are a fantastic addition to any garden or kitchen.
Enjoy the many uses of this wonderful herb and happy gardening.
Want to be a successful gardener? How do you start an organic garden for beginners? Before starting a new garden at home you have to know about these 12 steps…
5. Sunlight
6. Essential tools you need
7. Prepare garden bed or grow bags
9. Plant your seeds
10. Water your garden at the right time
11. Mulch your garden
