Chives are the smallest member of the onion genus, Allium. With the full scientific classification of Allium schoenoprasum,  ^[rx]this tiny vegetable has a wide range of uses and benefits for human health. This herb (as it is commonly used) is native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, but is now widespread across the globe, as it has become a very popular addition to many culinary dishes.

Chives are bulbous plants, but their stems are long and hollow, which is the edible part of the plant. These hollow stems are commonly sliced and added to fish, soups, sauces, salads, Mexican cuisine, potato dishes, and a wide range of other meals. The unopened flower buds can also be ground into a useful spice, but more commonly seen are the freshly chopped stems.

 

Chives scientifically known as Allium schoenoprasum are bulbous hardy perennial plants of the genus Allium in the Liliaceae, or Lily family, cultivated for their onion or garlic-flavored leaves and for their attractive and edible flower heads, rather than for their bulbs as with most other Alliums. The term chives is said to be derived from the Latin cepa, meaning onion. Chives are considered to have originated from Asia and Eastern Europe and have been used in cuisine for a recorded 5000 years. Some popular common names of Chives are Garlic chives, Chinese leeks. Garden or Onion Chives, Garlic Chives, Album, Curly Mauve, Forecast, Marsha, Pink Giant, Profusion, Snowcap is some of the popular varieties of Chives which are mainly grown for their delicious leaves. Apart from that, it is also called nira in japan, Civette in France, Schnittlauch in German, Erba cipollini in Italy, and Cebollino in Spain. Chives make good container plants and therefore are a must for any kitchen windowsill herb garden.

Chives – Allium schoenoprasum Facts

Chives are an herbaceous perennial plant sized approximately 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall, native to Europe and Asia. It prefers full sun and thrive in well drained, moist soil rich in organic matter. Due to its distinctive taste it is found used in several food items from ancient times.

Plant

Chives are bulb-forming herbaceous perennial plants sized approximately 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall, flower stalks grow up to 30 inches high and spread 6 inches or more wide. It is found growing in clump and prefer cool climates or temperatures. It prefers full sun and thrives in well-drained, moist, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The plant grows in dense clumps of slender bulbs, each bulb producing hollow tubular leaves. Chives plant bears underground bulb which is slender, conical, 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1 1⁄4 in) long and 1 cm (1⁄2 in) broad, and grow in dense clusters from the roots. Through the bulb arise a hollow and tubular, up to 50 cm (20 in) long and 2–3 mm (1⁄16–1⁄8 in) across, with a soft texture stem (scapes). Leaves are long, round, and hollow, similar to onions, but smaller in diameter 8-20 inches long. Flowers are usually pale purple, and star-shaped with six petals, 1–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) wide and produced in a dense inflorescence of 10-30 together, before opening, the inflorescence is enclosed by a papery bract. Flower normally blooms from June and July. Seeds develop from the flower which is small angular black seeds that are enclosed in a small, three-valved capsule.

Leaves

Leaves of chive plants normally grow from thickened underground stems that may be semi-bulbous in nature. Leaves of all Chive plants are linear, but leaves of common chives and giant Siberian chives are tubular, while those of garlic chives and Siberian garlic chives are flattened. Common or onion chives bears plentiful rosy-lavender flower heads resembling red clover during late May and June, garlic chives bears pretty white flower heads in flattened umbels in August/September. Leaves of chive plants have a flavor that may vary from nutty, mildly sweet flavor to very pungent. The soft-textured, blue-green leaves appear in spring just before the plant blooms and will continue to produce new leaves throughout the growing season so the plant remains fresh-looking.  Plants may remain evergreen in mild climates, but in cold climates, the foliage is killed over the winter. Flower stems, that rise from the base, grow somewhat taller than leaves and bear small clusters of mauve or purple flower heads. Chive leaves are extremely delicious and full of essential nutrients so it is found used in several delicacies from ancient times.

History

Chives are considered to have originated from Europe and Asia and possibly North America, but there is some disagreement on whether it is actually native or naturalized there. It has been grown in Europe since the Middle Ages, both for medicinal and culinary purposes and as long as 4,000 years ago by the Chinese. Today the leaves are naturally used as a culinary herb with a mild onion flavor.

Health Benefits of Chives

Chives are small bulb-forming herbaceous perennial plants growing in clumps, probably originating in Europe and Asia. The plant grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Vitamin K and vitamin V-rich vegetable is extremely nutritious and delicious and is found used in fresh salads, combined with egg and omelet recipes, cream cheese, as a flavored garnish on soups and potatoes.

1. Digestive Issues

Chives consist of allyl sulfides and other unique organic compounds that are effective for easing digestive discomforts. Apart from that chives also have antibacterial features which help to eliminate a wide range of bacteria that may result in havoc on the gastrointestinal system. Chives help to increase the nutrient uptake efficiency of your gut, ensuring that you get as many of the nutrients from your food as possible.(1)

2. Detoxify the Body

Chives have mild diuretic properties, and along with other free-radical scavenging and anti-bacterial qualities, chives are a perfect way to detoxify the body. By encouraging urination, chives help to eliminate excess toxins, fat, water, and salts keeping the organ systems running efficiently and clearing out any hazardous substances that could damage the entire system.

3. Vision Health

Chives include Carotenes specifically lutein and zeaxanthin that are directly liable for decreasing oxidative stress in the ocular system and postponing the appearance of cataracts in the eye. They are also helpful to prevent macular degeneration, keeping your eyes healthy well into your old age.(2)

4. Heart Health

Chives consists of allicin which is one of the most important organic compounds and is closely related to reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the body and improving heart health. Allicin when connected with vasodilatory effects of the potassium present in Chives, helps to lower the blood pressure level.  Apart from those chives also consists of another organic compound quercetin which has been directly associated to lowering cholesterol levels and plaque in the arteries, efficiently preventing atherosclerosis and lowering your risk for stroke and heart attacks.(3)

5. Immune System Booster

A considerable amount of vitamin C is found in Chives which is proven effective to boost the efficacy of the immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells and stimulating the production of collagen that is an essential component in the creation of new blood vessels, cells, tissues, and muscles.(4)

6. Birth Defects

Folic acid is extremely important for pregnant mothers who want to safeguard the healthy development of their infants. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in newborn infants, and chives are a rich source of folic acid for careful mothers.(5)

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Scientific Health Benefits of Chives Leaves

Although it has a small shape, it has many health benefits for chives leaves. Chives leaves are one of the original herbal ingredients in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. But now its use has begun to spread around the world because it is often used as a material in a particular culinary. So, here are the health benefits of chives leaves:

1. Prevent Problems On The Digestive System

The content of the chives such as fiber, flavonoid, sulfur, alkali, and other substances contained in the chives leaves can serve as antioxidants and help overcome digestive problems.

The antioxidant activity of the chives leaves is also associated with its capacity to neutralize free radicals, inhibit enzymes responsible for the production of reactive oxygen species, attract metal ions, and increase cellular antioxidant inhibiting components. The content of flavonoids in chives leaves also helps to bind the proteins that regulate fluid secretion in the small intestine.

In addition, chives leave also have natural antibacterial properties that are able to fight various types of bacteria that cause disturbances in the digestive system. In this way, the digestion will be healthier and can work with the maximum.

2. Prevent cancer

As with other types of onions, chives leaves also contain quercetin compounds that can prevent some types of cancer. In various studies have shown that quercetin is able to prevent various types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer.

In addition, the content of antioxidants and vitamin K in chives leaves will also participate in helping and preventing various types of cancer, by preventing free radicals from developing in our bodies. These free radicals can speed up the spread and growth of cancer cells.

The content of vitamin K in chives leaves can strengthen bones. Vitamin K can increase the productivity of autotrophic hormones in bones that can prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin K is also able to prevent neuronal brain damage and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the flavonoid content in it is able to avoid the attack of lung cancer and oral cancer.

3. Strengthens Bone and Prevents Osteoporosis

The content of vitamin K in chives leaves can strengthen bones. Vitamin K can increase the productivity of autotrophic hormones in bone that can prevent osteoporosis. Indeed, that’s one of many health benefits of chives leaves.

4. Improving Fertility

Chives leaves are also rich in folic acid and vitamin C. Folic acid helps improve fetal health during pregnancy and also improves reproductive health for both men and women. While vitamin C is able to boost the immune system so as to dispel the disease.

5. Prevent Sprue

Eating scallion chives leaves or roots on chives leaves may also prevent sprue. Sprue can occur due to the body’s lack of adequate intake of vitamin C, loss of fluid, or can also occur due to lack of nutritional bodies such as Vitamin B 12 and iron. Well, chives leaves contain high vitamin C benefits, B12, and iron, so it is very capable as one of the food prevention of sprue if consumed daily.

6. Preventing the Risk of Defects In The Fetus In Gynecology

What are the more health benefits of chives leaves? For pregnant women is strongly recommended to consume chives leaves during the pregnancy. The health benefits of chives leaves have a high content of Vitamin K and folic acid is good enough for pregnant women to avoid the risk of defects in infants in the womb.

Folic acid and vitamin K will ensure fetal development. Folic acid can prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in newborns and vitamin K prevents defects in the baby’s bone organ.

7. Lose Bad Cholesterol Levels

Chives leaves contain healthy fat in the form of omega 3 and omega 6 fats that can help the body more awake and the immune system becomes stronger. Chives leave also contain allicin compounds that can lower levels of bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. The fiber contained in the chives leaves is not only beneficial in the digestive system but also for people who have high cholesterol. The fiber in its course can contract cholesterol in the blood vessels back to the organ that needs it or is disposed of as fecal matter.

8. Prevent Heart Disease

Effects on the decline in cholesterol levels also affect the heart’s organs in order to stay in healthy condition. Allicin in chives leaves is also able to lower blood pressure. Allicin and potassium in chives leave work together in reducing cardiovascular tension. The presence of quercetin content in chives also reduces cholesterol levels and reduces the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, so we will avoid going from cardiovascular disease.

9. Neutralize Toxins In The Body

Chives leaves are also a good source for chlorophyll and vitamin K. Rich mineral salts with alkaline elements are highly dominant. This helps keep the blood clean, the mind and body healthy. Minerals contain in chives leaves can neutralize toxins in the body. This natural detoxification will be felt so that the body will be free from toxins, which ultimately contribute to the health of the liver.

10. Helps Recovery of Body Network

Eating chives leaves can speed up the resurgence of tired muscles, tissues, and nerves. The chives leaves are high in magnesium content that plays an important role in tissue, nervous, brain, and muscular recovery, which contributes to shortening recovery time.

11. Boost the immune system

Chives leave also contain vitamin C is high enough, which will help improve our immune system. The growing body immune system will make our body more and more white blood cell production and also stimulate collagen production. Collagen is necessary to make new blood vessels, tissues, cells, and muscles in our body.

12. Maintain eye health

Zeaxanthin and lutein are carotene-based antioxidants. Two compounds that will later be responsible for maintaining eye health and reducing tension in the eye system can be found in chives leaves. Later this will prevent the emergence of cataracts on the eyes. These two compounds are also able to prevent or slow the occurrence of macular degeneration, thus making your eyes will remain healthy until old age.

14. Natural detoxification

Chives leaves have mild natural diuretic properties. With the nature of diuretic in chives leaves, then various types of toxins, water, salt, and even excessive fat in the body though will also be wasted. That way, then the various system organs in our body will work optimally. System organ that works optimally will make our body more healthy.

Very rare cases of allergy to chives leaves. However, using excessive amounts of chives leaves can cause the appearance of discomfort in the abdomen. Such things are usually caused by too strong organic compounds. Well, we now know the health benefits of chives leaves.

If you are suffering from allergies to onions and other onion families, including chives leaves, then you should first consult a physician before using chives leaves to maintain your health.

Health Benefits Of Chives Juice

Chives are extremely rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which contribute to most of the benefits. These antioxidants help fight cancer, improve heart health, and can even fight inflammation. They also detoxify the body and boost skin health. And the fiber in them can help ease the digestive process.

1. Fight Cancer

The flavonoid antioxidants we saw earlier, namely lutein and zeaxanthin, are known to protect one from lung and mouth cancers. Chives are also rich in fiber, and this helps to prevent colon cancer. And like other members of the family, chives also contain allicin, an important antioxidant known to help prevent breast cancer.

Various studies have shown that allium vegetables (those containing allicin) possess inhibiting effects on the cancers of the stomach and esophagus. Chives also help your body produce glutathione, which is an agent that enables your body to identify the cancer-causing substances and eliminate them. Studies have shown that chives can help prevent prostate cancer as well (1). Numerous other studies also talk about the anti-cancer effects of chives and other members of their family (2).

2. Protect The Heart

The allicin in chives bags the credit again. It is organosulfur and is known to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Allicin releases nitric oxide in the bloodstream, which reduces the stiffness of the blood vessels as well as blood pressure. And the quercetin in chives reduces the build-up of plaque in the arteries

Allicin not only helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) but also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol) – which, again, is good for the heart (3). Chives enhance circulation as well. The vitamin C they contain improves the elasticity of the blood capillaries and iron absorption. And the folic acid in chives prevents the constriction of blood vessels

3. Improve Bone Health

Chives contain vitamin K, a nutrient quite important for the bones. This vitamin helps maintain bone integrity and density. Vitamin K also assists the regulation of cells that aid the prevention of bone demineralization. This vitamin also supports the production of a protein called osteocalcin, which is important for maintaining bone mineral density.

More importantly, sufficient intake of vitamin K can reduce the urinary excretion of calcium (which is another common cause of bone loss). Other reports also talk about how chives can contribute to bone health (4). Though more research is required, the anti-inflammatory properties of chives might also help treat arthritis.

4. Ease The Digestive Process

Chives help the body get rid of the harmful bacteria, yeast, and fungi in your intestinal tract that might otherwise hamper your digestion. The antibacterial properties of chives can help eliminate at least 30 strains of salmonella (which can cause intestinal distress).

Chives are a great combination of fiber and other essential nutrients like niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, zinc – all of which are known to ease the digestive process. This phytochemical combination can also soothe an upset stomach. Chives might also relieve flatulence and stimulate digestion.

5. Detoxify The Body 

Though there is limited research on this, certain sources say that the presence of chlorophyll and vitamin K in chives helps keep the blood clean. The minerals in chives might neutralize the toxins in the body. The antibacterial properties of chives might also aid the detoxification process.

6. Boost Immunity

The numerous phytochemicals in chives can boost your immune system. Chives also contain selenium in trace amounts, which is another important mineral that strengthens immunity. Immune cells deficient in selenium can have difficulty in producing proteins and transporting calcium. Chives can also give your T-cells a boost. They also offer protection against cold and flu. However, there is limited research on this. Chives contain sulfuric compounds, which, as per research, help boost immunity (5). And this way, they also heal wounds faster.

7. Boost Vision

This benefit should be attributed to the lutein and zeaxanthin in chives, which reduce oxidative stress in the eyes and boost vision health. They also slow down the development of cataracts. Chives also contain quercetin, which, as per studies can help preserve vision in patients with macular degeneration (6).

8. Are Beneficial During Pregnancy

Chives are rich sources of folate, and we don’t have to stress the importance of folate during pregnancy. Folate helps in the brain development of the fetus – it also aids cell division and DNA synthesis. Folic acid also helps to prevent birth defects, especially in the baby’s brain and spinal cord (7).

9. Enhance Sleep And Mood

Chives are good sources of choline, which is one important nutrient that aids proper sleep. And the folic acid in chives is also known for boosting the production of dopamine and serotonin, which are feel-good hormones that boost your mood.

10. Have Excellent Antimicrobial Properties

Chives have excellent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties. One study talks about the antimicrobial properties of Chinese chives (8). Another study talks about how Chinese chives can have the highest antibacterial activity (9).

The antibiotic properties of chives, along with vitamin C, can destroy harmful microbes. This combination works well in treating yeast infections.

11. Boost Skin Health

Chives are a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that boosts skin radiance and health. It also can help treat acne while vitamin C possesses antioxidant properties that offer anti-aging benefits. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, some of the most prominent signs of aging. You can use a chive face mask for this purpose. Apply chive puree to your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Cleanse and pat dry your face and apply a moisturizer of your choice.

12. Might Improve Hair Health

Though we don’t have concrete research on this, some sources say that chives can stimulate hair growth. They can increase the blood flow to the scalp and strengthen the hair roots. They might also prevent hair breakage. A chive oil hair mask can improve dull hair as well. Boil chives in water for about 30 seconds and then, cool them in cold water. Place the chives in half a cup of olive oil. Make a puree and apply it to the scalp. After 30 minutes, shampoo as usual.

How to Eat

• Chives are used in sauces, in fresh salads, combined with egg and omelet recipes, cream cheese, as a flavored garnish on soups and potatoes.
• Mix chives with softened butter and add a dollop to grilled steak, chicken, or veal.
• Chopped leaves are used to garnish sour cream and classic addition to baked potatoes.
• Chives are used fresh and are a common addition to egg dishes, baked potatoes, and cream soups.
• Fresh Leaves are outstanding for making herbal vinegar and butter.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives into half a cup of softened butter, reduced-fat cream cheese, or a mixture of both for a tasty herbed spread.
• Cut fresh and chopped fine are used in green salads, cucumber salad, or sprinkled on sliced tomatoes.
• Leaves and bulbs are used to garnish and flavor soups and salads, and in omelets, soft cheeses, and sauces such as remoulade and ravigote.
• Flowers also have a mild onion flavor and are sprinkled into salads.
• Leaves are cut into small segments and are used as a seasoning or garnish sprinkled on the food just before serving.
• In Swedish midsummer celebrations, they are an ingredient of the gräddfil sauce with the traditional herring.
• In Poland and Germany, chives are served with quark cheese.

Other Traditional uses and benefits of Chives

• Chives consisting of a considerable amount of vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid are a good addition to modern recipes to restore vital nutrients that are lost in cooking.
• It is good to promote good digestion; comfort stomach upset and prevent bad breath.
• They have a diuretic effect which will lower high blood pressure.
• Romans believed chives can relieve pain from sunburn or sore throat.
• Chives, chopped and sprinkled on food, are supposed to aid digestion and encourage hunger.
• Chinese chives have long been used as an herbal medicine for recovery from fatigue.
• Chives are reported to have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system.
• The mild anti-inflammatory properties in chives can lower the chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis if consumed every day.

Other Facts

• It was believed that hanging bunches of dried chives around your house can ward off disease.
• For a lovely arrangement of long, cylindrical vegetables such as asparagus, carrots or green beans, tie the vegetables into small bundles using chive leaves as strings.
• Although chives are repulsive to insects because of their sulfur compounds, their flowers can entice bees.
• Violet flowers are often used in ornamental dry bouquets.
• Rumanian Gypsies used chives as part of their fortune-telling rituals and when dried bunches of chives were hung in the house it was supposed to drive away disease as well as evil influences.

How To Use Chives

• You can use the leaves of chives to add some essence to butter and cheese preparations. You can also use them to flavor soups, salads, sauces, meat and egg preparations, etc.

• You can also use the leaves to make herbal vinegar.

• The flowers of the chives plant have a mild onion flavor – and can be sprinkled onto salads.

• You can also use chives on your breakfast toast. Add chives to fresh goat cheese and crushed red peppers.

There are other ways you can use chives – by including them in your diet.

How To Incorporate Chives Into The Diet

• Sprinkle chives over sandwiches for breakfast.
• Add chopped chives to mashed potatoes or omelets.
• Mix them with cream cheese.
• Add them to scrambled eggs during cooking.
• Add chives to plain yogurt and use it as a salad dressing.
• You can add chives to dishes at the end of cooking as this helps maintain their delicate flavor and texture.

Well, there is another interesting way to incorporate chives into your diet. And that is, by following some superb recipes.

Any Popular Recipes Using Chives?

1. Blue Cheese Potato Salad With Chives

What You Need

• 2 pounds of red potatoes cut into chunks
• ½ cup of finely diced red onion
• ½ cup of diced celery
• ½ cup of chopped fresh chives
• ¾ cup of sour cream
• 2 tablespoons of whole milk
• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese

Directions

1. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover them with water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the water and place the potatoes in a large bowl.
3. Add the onion, celery, and chives. Toss to combine.
4. Combine the sour cream with the next four ingredients and whisk – this is the dressing. Stir in the blue cheese crumbles.
5. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture. Cover and chill.
6. Serve.

2. Goat Cheese And Chive Tea Sandwiches

What You Need

• 8 ounces of fresh goat cheese
• 24 thin slices of white sandwich bread
• 1 medium bunch of watercress leaves
• 2 bunches of fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons of prepared mayonnaise

Directions

1. Spread the goat cheese liberally on all the bread slices. Arrange the watercress leaves evenly on 12 of the slices. Top each of these slices with a second slice of the bread, with the goat cheese side down.
2. Place the chives in a small bowl. Halve each sandwich diagonally. With a small spatula, carefully spread the mayonnaise along the long side of one tea sandwich – dip this long edge into the chopped chives.
3. Repeat this with each sandwich.

These are recipes are simple but taste great. Try them out one fine evening, when you are bored but want to munch on something healthy. And yes, how about checking out some fun facts about chives?

Precautions

• Taking an excessive amount of chive may cause an upset stomach.
• Prevent using chive as medication in case you are pregnant or even breastfeeding.

References

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