Chives have been a favourite herb to grow in all manner of kitchen gardens for over 5,000 years. They have played a part in the diet of many ancient civilisations with both practical and mystical significance. Native to both Asia and Europe, these hardy nutritious herbs with beautiful edible flowers were amongst the first plants cultivated by early societies.

In the 13th century, Marco Polo documented finding Chives during his Asian travels as they were grown widely across China. The Romans used Chives believing them to have mystical powers as they were hung in dried bundles to ward off evil spirits.

While Chinese gardeners planted Chives along pathways for protection, medieval Europeans positioned them along garden borders to repel unwanted insects, aphids and other garden invaders.

The hardy nature of Chives made them an essential food source during long and cold Winters which is why they were cultivated in monastery gardens. Many believed their purple blossoms brought good fortune, while traditional healers used them for their ability to boost vitality and ward off illness.

In Dutch folklore, Chives were planted along footpaths to welcome prosperity – a practice that continued well into the 19th century.

SOURCE: Wildcraftier - Chives

Chives contain nutritional compounds that are vital for bone and neurological health and have been known to help in the prevention of osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Chives contain an exceptional amount of vitamin A and other antioxidants such as carotenes and lutein which help to protect the body from a variety of cancers. Chives contain a healing compound called allicin - the same found in Wild Garlic - which has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. 

Allicin also helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke. 

The sulfur-containing oil in Chives provides powerful antiseptic abilities without any of the digestion-disturbing tendencies that the rest of the Onion family can create. Chives are also known to help build the repair system, fight intestinal fermentation and stimulate both stomach and liver function. 

Chives are also an excellent source of folate which is essential for woman before and during pregnancy. 

SOURCE: Medical Medium - Chives

The wonderful health benefits of Chives are best realised through eating the leaves and flowers fresh in a myriad of different ways. Here are a couple of ideas for preserving Chives in vinegar and oil that enhance the mild onion flavour. 

Chive Flower Oil

1. Add freshley chopped Chive leaves and flowers to a clean jar. 
2. Pour over the oil, preferrably high quality organic cold-pressed virgin Olive Oil or similar.
3. Cap and allow to infuse in a cool dark cupboard for a few weeks. 
4. Use as required to make delicious salad dressings and to use for cooking savoury dishes.

Chive Flowers in Vinegar

The goodness of Chive flowers can be preserved in vinegar.

1. Place the blossoms into a clean a jar, cover with organic White Wine or Champagne VInegar.
2. Pour vinegar into the jar until the flowers are covered and to fill the jar.
3. Shake gently and repeat this every few days during the steeping period.
4. After several weeks stored in a cool dark cupboard, strain out the flowers and keep the vinegar for cooking or making sauces and dressings.

Here are some creative and tasty ways to use fresh Chive leaves and flowers:

Eggs  

Add freshly chopped Chives to cheese omelets, scrambled eggs, quiches and other egg dishes or sprinkle on top for a garnish.

Dips

Mix freshly chopped Chives into homemade mayonnaise, creme fresh or soft goat 'scheese. Sprinkle on raw vegetables such as celery stalks filled with cream cheese or hummus for a mouthwatering appetiser.

Soups and Salads

Sprinkle freshly chopped Chives onto soups and salads as a healthy garnish. Add slightly crushed flowers to bring out the beauty of the blossoms  as well as the flavour.

Baked Potatoes

Top a baked potato with Chives, organic butter, fresh crumbled organic bacon and plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for a simple, tasty and nutritional meal.

Chive Butter

Add freshly chopped Chives to a pack of softened butter and refrigerate in small ramekin dishes. These can be used straight away or frozen to use later.

SOURCE: Herbal Health Benefits: Growing and Eating Chives