Growing Chives

GROW YOUR OWN CHIVES

Chives are members of the allium family, which also includes garlic, onions, scallions and leeks. Chives are those indispensable herbs which combine flavour and versatility in the kitchen with an appealing garden presence. Save yourself the trips to the grocery store, as well as a few bucks, by learning to grow your own chives at home. They are perhaps the easiest herbs to grow and, If you'd like to have them freshly available, chives grow well outdoors and indoors, and are happy in a container.

Varieties of Chive

• There are two varieties of chives – the ordinary one with pink flowers and a gentle onion flavour.
• The Chinese or garlic chives, with white flowers and a mild garlic taste.

How To Grow Chives

• Sow seed in March to April direct into the ground or in containers, in a warm place (20–25ºC).
• Germination can take up to three weeks.
• Thin only if very crowded.
• Transplant the seedlings into the soil or 15–20 cm (6–8 inch) pots.
• Chives like a rich, moist soil in a fairly sunny position. 
• Ensure pot-grown plants are well-watered so they produce fresh leaves. 
• Some other care tips are to supply moisture in dry weather to prevent your chives from being attacked by aphids, and, after repeated cuttings, to fertilize with a fish emulsion. 
• The plant also likes coffee grounds and does well if planted close to comfrey.
• As a perennial, chives will die back over the winter and reappear again in the spring. 
• In spring, split pot-grown plants into two and replant separately.

Harvesting Chives

• Begin harvesting the chives after about 6 weeks. 
• Cut the leaves down to the base with scissors at ground level.
• Cutting encourages more leaves to grow.
• Harvest outdoor chives from May–October.
• Use chives when they're fresh or frozen (freeze the leaves in an airtight bag). 
• Dried chives lose their flavor.

Few Health Benefits Of Chives

• Anti-Cancer Properties- Chives might also help in the fight against cancer because they contain many antioxidants that help destroy free radicals and discourage the growth of cancerous cells and tumors.
• Eases Digestion- Eating chives might help your body digest your food better and make use of more nutrients food offers. Chives work by getting rid of bacteria, yeast and fungi in your intestinal tract so that your entire digestive system works as it should.
• Wealth of Nutrients- Adding a sprinkle of chives to a potato dish, bowl of soup, pasta recipe or tossed salad is a simple way to do something small for your health. Just 1 tbsp. of chives supplies many vitamins and minerals, including 9 mg of potassium, 3 mg of calcium, 78 mcg of beta-carotene, 3 mcg of folic acid and 6 mcg of vitamin K.
• Bone Strength- Chives are a rich source of vitamin K. Vitamin K assists the regulation of cells that help to prevent bone demineralization. It also helps with the production of a bone protein called osteocalcin, which is vital for maintaining bone mineral density.
• Improved Heart Health- Chives contain allicin, an organosulfur that is being studied for its ability to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Chives also contain quercetin, which may reduce the risk of plaque buildup in arteries. 

Chives Omelet Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 oz Chinese chives (garlic chives) or kucai
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tablespoons oil

Seasonings

• 1/8 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tsp oyster sauce
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Method

• Cut the chives into small pieces. Set aside.
• Beat the eggs and then season with all the ingredients for Seasonings. 
• Add the chives with the eggs.
• Heat up the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. 
• Pour the eggs into the wok or skillet, swirl the eggs around so they coat the wok or skillet evenly. 
• As soon as the sides start to cook, flip the eggs over. 
• Continue to cook until the eggs turn light brown or set. 
• Break the omelet into pieces, if you like. 
• Dish out and serve immediately.