CHIVES

This mild-flavored member of the onion family is often considered more of an herb than a vegetable. The plant grows in compact tufts or clusters formed by the intertangling of the fibrous root. The leaves are numerous, erect, slender, hollow, pointed and deep green. The tender young leaves are cut and used to season foods. The fine-textured foliage is chopped and used in soups, stews, salads and other recipes. The bulb is small and not usually consumed. Chives are also used as a small ornamental. The plants bear purple flowers early in the year.

Chives is a spice from the allium schoenoprasum plant whose slender rush-like green leaves are chopped and used to provide a subtle onion flavor and to enhance food appearance. it is also used as a garnish and topping.

Chives contain alliin, allicin, S-allyl-cysteine, S-methyl-cysteine.