The botanical name of Chives is Allium schoenoprasum and belongs to Alliaceae family. Chives belong to the family of onions, garlic, shallot, leek, scallion, and Chinese onion.
Chives are green leafy vegetables and have a mild Onion flavor. It is cultivated for its flavor and its medicinal properties. It is also considered as a herb.
Chives grow from bulb and are perennial in nature. They grow to a height of 30 to 50 cm. Chives grow in dense clusters from the roots and the bulbs are slender and conical. The bulbs are 2 to 3 cm long and 1 cm broad.
The flowers bloom at the edge of a hollow tube and the height of the stalk can be up to 50 cm long and 2 to 3 mm in diameter. The flowers are pale purple with 6 petals and 1 to 2 cm wide. The flower is also edible.
A small three-valved fruit contains the seeds.
Chives can be added in salads and eaten raw. They can also be cooked along with other vegetables to enhance the taste.
Recipes using Chives:
