Chives are available all year round in markets and grocery stores. Chive is a versatile herb and can be used in soups, stir fried, salads and stews. Chives belong to the onion family. Unlike the onions, no large bulbs are form underground, thus the leaves that have the onion flavour. Chives grow in clumps like grass, long thin leaves and up to 12 inches.
Garlic chives also known as “gau choy” in Chinese. Garlic chives have garlic flavour and is extensively use in oriental dishes. Chives can be stored in refrigerator in plastic bag for up to one week. Do not wash chives as excessive moisture may rot the chives.
If you are growing chives in your garden or a container, do not pull them fromm the soil at all. Simply cut the leaves with scissors down to 2 inches above the ground as needed. If you must cook them, add them last just before serving. Sprinkle some chopped chives on the soup, will make it delicious.
Chives are high in Vitamins A, C, potassium and calcium, and its sulfur compounds have anticbiotic properties.
