tbs snipped chives
Chives are very low in calories while providing modest amounts of vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. They contain allicin and other sulfur compounds characteristic of the allium family, which have been associated with various health properties.
About
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a perennial herb belonging to the allium family, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and closely related to onions, garlic, and leeks. The plant produces thin, hollow green leaves that grow in bunches and small purple or pink flowers. Chives have a mild, delicate onion flavor with subtle garlic notes, making them less pungent than raw onions while retaining characteristic allium depth. The edible portions include both the long green stems and the decorative flowers, which offer a slightly sweeter taste and are used as garnish in fine dining.
The herb is widely cultivated in temperate climates and thrives in home gardens due to its hardiness and prolific growth. Common varieties include common chives, garlic chives (Chinese chives), and Siberian chives, each with slight variations in flavor intensity and appearance.
Culinary Uses
Chives are used primarily as a fresh finishing herb, added to dishes immediately before serving to preserve their delicate flavor and bright color. They are essential in French cuisine, particularly in fines herbes blends, and appear frequently in egg dishes, cream-based sauces, soups (especially potato and cheese), and potato preparations. Snipped chives garnish baked potatoes, sour cream, smoked fish, and cheese courses. They are particularly valued in Chinese and Asian cuisines, especially garlic chives (Chinese chives), which are used in stir-fries, dumplings, and noodle dishes. Chives are rarely cooked for extended periods, as heat diminishes their mild flavor and color.