All About Chives | Herb Spotlight

As summer wraps up and we get excited about fall cooking, there’s no ingredient we’re relying on more than chives. From the taste, to health benefits, to recipes, we’ve assembled everything you need to know about this amazing herb.

Taste Profile

Chives host a mild and delicate oniony flavor that can vary from nutty, to mild, to sweet, to very pungent. Because of this, they are highly versatile, making delicious appearances both raw and cooked. For those who prefer a milder flavor, chives are a perfect substitute for the onion.

Health Rundown

1. Chives can aid in digestion and gut health. Thanks to the allyl sulfide and other unique compounds, chives will help ease digestive discomfort. Plus, they increase the efficiency of your gut, so you get as many nutrients from your food as you can.
2. Your heart will be happy. Allicin and quercetin are organic compounds in chives that have been linked to reducing levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body and improving heart health. It can also lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular strain.
3. Immune boost! Chives boast high levels of Vitamin C, which help boost immune system efficiency by stimulating the production of white blood cells and collagen, an invaluable component when creating new blood vessels, cells, tissues, and muscles.

Use of chives is not intended to nor should it replace a meaningful relationship with a trusted medical professional.

What You Didn’t Know (Fun Facts)

1. Chives are the basis of several historical superstitions! Romanian gypsies used this herb as part of their fortune-telling rituals, and they were rumored to drive away disease and evil influences when hung in homes.
2. Unlike many herbs, chives have been used primarily in food for a long, long time (as opposed to medicinal uses first). The oldest recipes come from China and go back at least 5,000 years.
3. A post about chives would be incomplete if we didn’t mention their edible flowers! They’re absolutely delicious.

Get Eating

Roasted Potatoes with Cheese and Fresh Chives

Bring these classic ingredients together with elegant flavors in this cheesy roasted potatoes recipe. With crisp exteriors, soft potato-ey insides, Parmigiano cheese dressing, and freshly harvested chives atop, this delicacy is a family favorite that can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or a brunch treat.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs medium gold potatoes
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Fresh chives

HOW-TO:

1. Preheat oven to 425° F with the oven rack in the lowest position.
2. Cover potatoes with cold water in a large pot and add salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork — about 10 minutes. Drain and cool potatoes.
3. Brush the bottom of a baking sheet with olive oil. Slice potatoes and mix in olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Arrange on the baking sheet and roast until golden brown — about 30-35 minutes.
4. Reduce oven temperature to 350°, turn potatoes over, and sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven for about 10 minutes.
5. Plate the potatoes and dress with chives.

There’s no such thing as knowing too much about chives. From the kitchen to the medicine cabinet and beyond, this herb brings us happiness and excitement.

Be sure to check out our other herb spotlights on sage and oregano.