Chives

What Are Chives?

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are an herb in the lily family, with long, thin, hollow green stalks. Although related to onions and garlic, they have a much milder, more delicate aroma.

The flowers are also edible; the small purple blooms can be used as a garnish in salads. Chives are a classic ingredient in the French fines herbes blend.

Chives Nutrition Facts

Chives are low in calories but nutrient-dense; 100 grams provide about 30 kcal, 3.27 g of protein, and 2.5 g of fiber. They are especially rich in vitamin K and vitamin C.

What Are the Benefits of Chives?

With their high vitamin K content, chives are a nutrient-rich green that can be part of a balanced diet. Research continues on the sulfur compounds they contain, as with other members of the Allium family; this research has not yet led to general health recommendations.

This is general information; chives are a food, not a medical treatment. People taking blood thinners are advised to consult a health professional about eating vitamin K-containing greens.

How to Choose Chives

A fresh bunch of chives should have slender, upright, vivid green stalks.

• The stalks should be vivid green and upright; yellowing or drooping indicates that they are no longer fresh.
• The tips should not be dried out or turning brown.
• When crushed, they should release a mild, delicate onion aroma.

How to Store Chives

Wrapped in a damp paper towel and kept in a covered container in the refrigerator, chives stay fresh for 5–7 days. For longer storage, finely chop and freeze them in a freezer bag or ice cube trays; freezing softens their texture, but they retain most of their aroma.

How to Use Chives in the Kitchen

Chives are used finely chopped on baked potatoes and in omelets, yogurt-based sauces, and cream soups. They are sensitive to heat, so they are almost always added just before serving or at the very end of cooking.

How to Chop Chives

Gather the slender stalks together and cut them into small rings with scissors or a sharp knife. Cutting with scissors prevents the stalks from being crushed and gives them a neater appearance.

What Recipes Can You Make with Chives?

Popular ways to use chives include potatoes with a creamy chive sauce, chive omelets, yogurt and chive sauce, and chive cheese spread. They are also sprinkled over salads and soups as a finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are chives good for?

Chives are rich in vitamin K and vitamin C and are a nutrient-rich green that can be part of a balanced diet. They are a food and are not claimed to cure any disease.

Are chive flowers edible?

Yes. Their purple flowers have a mild onion flavor and can be used in salads for both flavor and garnish.

Are chives and green onions the same thing?

No, they are different plants. Chives do not have a distinct white base; they are slender and the same thickness along their length. Green onions have a distinct white base and a sharper flavor.

Are chives cooked?

They are rarely cooked because heat quickly diminishes their aroma and texture. They are therefore almost always used raw, sprinkled over cooked dishes.

What goes well with chives?

They pair classically with potatoes, eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream; their mild aroma balances these rich, creamy foods.