Chives are a seasoning belonging to the onion family. It is a perennial plant grown as an herb and often used for ornamental purposes in the garden because of its tiny colorful, lavender flowers.
This plant has been in existence for several thousand years and is native to some parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.
The part of the plant most often used in cooking is the slender, young, tender, dark green, tubular leaves. These leaves grow back when cut, just like grass. The purple flowers won’t grow if the chives are constantly being cut. Sometime the small, flat bulb part of the plant can be used.
Chives are available in several different forms and can be enjoyed all year round. Purchase a pot of fresh chives at the market, and you can enjoy the touch of color it adds to your kitchen. When buying a chive plant, look for fresh, bright green leaves, tender and crisp. Some hints to help chive plants grow are keep then in a sunny part of the kitchen and water frequently. Snip often to within two or three inches of the base. A pair of scissors makes cutting up chives easy work.
If plant growing isn’t a favorite hobby, frozen chives are available at most supermarkets. They are cleaned, chopped and come packaged in plastic cartons. Store these chives in the freezer in the original carton. To use, loosen top layer with a fork and remove the amount needed.
Chives also come freeze dried. They are cleaned, chopped and flash frozen, then dehydrated and packaged. Look for this item on the herb and spice shelves in the supermarket and store it on your own herb and spice shelf. Freeze dried chives will be dehydrated by the liquid in any dish in which they are used.
Fresh, frozen, or dried chives can be used interchangeably in almost any recipe. In cooked foods, add the chives at the last minute, if possible, for the best flavor.
Chives’ mild onion flavor can be used effectively with cheese and egg dishes and similar light or delicate items. They add distinctive flavor to sauces, salads, salad dressings, soups, breads, and vegetables, and are delicious in dips.
