Chives, c/s

Chives, c/s (458)

Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum - Liliaceae Family

AKA: Cives, Chinese chives, Petit poureau, (Old French) garlic chives, Siberian chives, Ail civitte, (French)

Parts Used: Chive Leaves

Active Compounds: Volatile, acrid oil containing sulfur.

Background: The culinary use of Chives has been traced to its native soil in China, where it was added to foods nearly 5000 years ago. The plant grows wild in Europe from Greece and Italy to Southern Sweden and Siberia. It has been cultivated in herb gardens for centuries, and colonists brought Chives to America with other medicinal and kitchen herbs. Chives do not contain as much of the antiseptic sulfur oil as their onion cousins, and for this reason were overlooked for most medicinal uses. They were thought to have a magical power in keeping disease and evil at bay; believers hung bundles of Chives in their homes. "Rush leek" is the Latin translation of this plant's name, probably due to their preference for moist habitat.

Applications: Appetizer/Digestive

Appetizer: Chives stimulates poor appetites. Trace amounts of iron may help anemia.

Digestive: Chives aids in digestion.

Other uses: Culinary, use Chives for garnish and onion flavor. Chives contains a significant amount of vitamin C.

Description:
A clump of Chives is actually many plants growing close together from several small bulbs. Dark green leaves are thin, hollow blades growing from 6 to 10 inches high. These round blades surround flowering stems which produce dense, purple umbels containing seed capsules. Chives prefer moist soils and often grow along stream banks. To harvest, snip the leaves leaving about 2 inches for future growth.

Chives Dosage:
Fresh use is recommended; avoid cooking or otherwise exposing to heat. Chop fresh herb and use as garnish for foods.

Safety:
No information available

More Bulk Herbs and Spices Information:

Chives
Cinnamon
Chia seed
Cloves
Cayenne
Club moss

For educational purposes only
This Chives information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.