Growing and Caring for Chives at Home 2025

El chive, known scientifically as Allium schoenoprasum, is a Aromatic herb that has earned a place in kitchens around the world. Its delicate flavor and subtle aroma make it a favorite for professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will discover everything there is to know about chives, from its use in the kitchen to how to grow it at home.

Are you short on time? Here's everything you need to know to grow chives at home:

What is chives?: Aromatic herb with a mild onion flavor, used as a condiment.
Edible part: The stems are green and hollow.
Taste: Mild, slightly spicy, similar to onion but less intense.
Cultivation: Easy to grow at home, it prefers moist, sunny soils.
Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, B and C, and minerals such as potassium and calcium.

This summary provides a concise overview of the key points about chives and growing them at home. Would you like to go deeper? Continue reading the full article.

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What is chives and what is it used for?

Chives are a perennial plant that belongs to the Alliaceae family. It is mainly used to add a touch of flavor and decoration to a variety of dishes. Its versatility makes it ideal for salads, soups, sauces and as a complement to egg dishes. In addition, its presence in flavored oils and dressings is highly appreciated.

With a net weight of 50 grams, the chives are presented in 750 ml jars, making it practical for use in the restaurant industry. In cooking, its stem is what is harvested and used, offering a milder flavor than that of the common onion.

In addition to its culinary use, chives have nutritional properties beneficial to health. Contains vitamins A, B and C, as well as allicin, a compound with antibacterial properties.

What part of chives is eaten?

The edible part of the chives are its hollow green stems. These thin stems are cut and used fresh to garnish and enhance the flavor of dishes. Unlike other plants in its family, such as garlic or onion, its bulb is not commonly used in cooking.

For its conservation, it is advisable to keep the chives in a cool, dry place. At harvest, the stems are cut to a few centimeters above the ground, allowing the plant to regrow and produce more leaves.

Chives are used both in haute cuisine and in home preparations, subtly enhancing dishes without overpowering the flavors.

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What is chives called in Spain?

In Spain, chives are known by the same name, although in some regions it can also be called chive, a term of French origin. This herb has been integrated into Spanish gastronomy, being another ingredient in the country's rich culinary tradition.

Chives are easily found in markets and specialized stores, and are a fundamental ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, recognized for their fresh and natural flavors.

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What does chives taste like?

Chives are characterized by a flavor similar to that of onions, but much softer and more delicate. It has a slight spicy touch, making it perfect for adding depth to dishes without being overpowering.

This unique flavor makes it very versatile in the kitchen, being used in hot and cold dishes, and it is especially appreciated in the preparation of sauces and dressings.

How to grow chives at home?

Growing chives at home is simple and rewarding. This plant prefers moist and sunny soils, and is frost resistant, making it ideal for growing in a wide variety of climates.

Chives are sown in spring and can grow both in pots and in gardens. Requires regular watering and well-drained soil. To promote constant growth, it is advisable to cut the stems frequently.

Furthermore, chives are a plant that attracts pollinators like bees, which contributes to the health of the garden ecosystem.

Nutritional benefits of chives

Chives are not only appreciated for their flavor, but also for their nutritional benefits. Contains antioxidants and vitamins essential for health. The vitamin A present in chives is important for visual health and the immune system.

B vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system health. Vitamin C, for its part, is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and act as an antioxidant.

Chives are also a source of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Its allicin content makes it an ally against bacteria and can contribute to cardiovascular health.

Easy recipes with chives

Chives lend themselves to a variety of easy and delicious recipes. It can be a great complement to a baked potato or to give a special touch to a tortilla.

A classic recipe is chive sauce, ideal to accompany fish or seafood. To prepare it, mix chopped chives with yogurt or cream, lemon juice, pepper and salt to taste.

In salads, chives provide freshness and a distinctive flavor. It can also be used to make flavored butters, perfect for spreading on bread or as a base for cooking meats.

As a visual resource that complements our guide on the chive, we invite you to watch the following video, which shows how to incorporate this aromatic herb into your dishes:

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Related questions about chives in the kitchen and its cultivation

What is chives and what is it used for?

Chives are an aromatic herb that is mainly used as a seasoning in cooking. Its mild flavor makes it perfect for enhancing dishes without overpowering other flavors.

Its incorporation in recipes is varied, from sprinkled on soups and salads to as the main ingredient in sauces and compound butters.

What part of chives is eaten?

The edible part of chives are its green, hollow stems. These are cut fresh and used to add subtle flavor and attractive presentation to various dishes.

It is important to remember that, unlike other members of the Alliaceae family, the chive bulb is not commonly used in cooking.

What is chives called in Spain?

Chives in Spain are commonly known by that same name, although depending on the region, it can also be called ciboulette.

This herb is easy to find and has been perfectly integrated into the country's cuisine.

What does chives taste like?

Chives have a mild and slightly spicy flavor, similar to that of onion but less intense. It is ideal for adding a note of freshness and depth to dishes without overwhelming.

Its delicate flavor makes it a versatile herb, suitable for both hot and cold dishes.

In short, chives are an herb with endless culinary possibilities and health benefits. Growing it at home is an excellent way to always have this touch of flavor and color on hand for our dishes. With these guidelines and tips, we hope you can enjoy this wonderful aromatic herb even more.

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