
Chive
Chives are a versatile herb known for their delicate, onion-like flavor and vibrant green color. These slender, hollow stems offer a mild, fresh taste that enhances a variety of dishes without overpowering them. Chives provide a slightly pungent aroma and a tender, slightly crisp texture when chopped fresh. Often used as a garnish or ingredient, fresh chives are a popular addition to both savory and some surprising sweet preparations. Learn how to use chives to bring a gentle onion flavor to your favorite foods.
Common Uses
- As a garnish, finely chopped chives add a pop of fresh flavor and visual appeal to soups, salads, potatoes, and egg dishes like omelets and scrambled eggs. They offer a mild onion flavor that complements other ingredients well.
- Incorporate chives into creamy dips and sauces, such as sour cream and chive dip or a light vinaigrette, to enhance their flavor profile with a subtle, savory note. The fresh herb brightens up the taste of creamy elements.
- Use chives to infuse oils and vinegars with their delicate onion flavor, creating versatile culinary bases for salad dressings, marinades, and drizzling over cooked dishes. The flavor subtly infuses the oil over time.
- Add chives to potato dishes, such as mashed potatoes, potato salad, or baked potatoes, to enhance their flavor with a mild, fresh, and slightly pungent taste. This adds a refreshing element to starchy dishes.
- Blend chives into herb butters to create a flavorful spread for bread, vegetables, or grilled meats, imparting a gentle onion taste that complements a variety of foods. Compound butters gain complexity and refreshing flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped chives over seafood dishes, like grilled salmon or seared scallops, to add a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the delicate flavors of the seafood. The light onion flavor enhances the overall culinary experience.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
1.0kcal (0.05%)
Protein
0.1g (0.2%)
Carbs
0.2g (0.07%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
1.0kcal (0.05%)
Protein
0.1g (0.2%)
Carbs
0.2g (0.07%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin K, supporting immune function and bone health.
- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- May improve digestion due to its mild stimulating properties.
- Supports heart health by potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Provides a source of dietary fiber, contributing to healthy digestion and satiety.
- Anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Fresh chives are best stored in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag or airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, you can stand them upright in a glass with a small amount of water, like cut flowers, and cover loosely with a plastic bag. Dried chives should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve their flavor. For longer storage, chives can be frozen. Chop them and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or oil for easy use in cooking.
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