A Week of Chives

“The grass as bristly and stout as chives and me wondering when the ground will break and me wondering how anything fragile survives”

― Anne Sexton

Many culinary herbs have lore, uses, and secrets galore and the Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is no different! This time of year is perfect to enjoy this onion relative, its freshness really brings the green flavors of the coming season to life. Let’s learn all about this classic! 

Image via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chives

Chives are known for use in protection magic and braiding the long grass-like stems into a charm increases luck and wards away those with bad intentions. The leaves enhance any working they are added to, and have been used to both read fortunes and exorcise evil spirits. 

Image via: https://fyneherbs.co.uk/blogs/herbs-for-wellbeing/chives-the-allium-aphrodisiac-that-might-put-you-in-the-mood-the-top-5-medicinal-uses

All that flavor means lots of beneficial oils! Chives are full of antioxidants like vitamin C and prebiotics making them amazing for gut health and cancer prevention. They’ve been shown to improve sleep, memory function, expel parasites, and provide expectorant qualities. 

Image via: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Chives

Chives like full sun to make flowers, but in Florida, that can be harsh. If you’re growing them, know that Fall into Spring is the best time. The heat of Summer will limit growth and cause some wilt, but they’ll come back full force by September. Harvest all year for steady growth.

Image via: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pascoco/2024/04/16/spice-up-your-life-chives/

Carried out of China by Marco Polo in the 13th century, and by the 1500s they were widely cultivated and considered vital to home protection. The chives each family grew in their garden borders would be bundled and hung above their doorways to ward off evil spirits and people! 

Image via: https://farmhouseandblooms.com/how-to-dry-chives-preserve-your-herbs/

Most people have experienced Chives in a dish, so we wanted to experience them in a slightly different but versatile way this week. This vinegar enhanced with Chive blossoms can be used as a food topping, a base for dressings and sauces, or simply a healthy herbal infusion! 

Image and Recipe via: https://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/diy-chive-vinegar/