Origin: Chives are the member of the onion family. They are closely related to garlic and onions. Chives, natively belong to Asia and Europe and have been domesticated for more than 5,000 years. Chives were not cultivated as a food until the middle ages. The scientific name of the chives is derived from a Greek word which means reed-like leek. The botanical name derives from the Greek meaning reed-like leek.
The English name chive is derived from the Latin word cepa which means onion, and later it became cive in French. History also says that the chives used to grow wildly in the then both New world that is America and the old world that is Europe, Africa, and Asia. It was also fondly used in China for its medicinal purposes. It was known to treat male fertility issues. Earlier, it was also used as an ornamental plant and the gardeners used to grow them as the backdrop or their garden. Chives were also grown in the garden, as it reduced the incidence of fungal diseases and mildew.
Scientifically: Chives belong to the member of the Allium genus and are botanically known as Allium schoenoprasum. Chives grow in clumps or clusters like grasses, where the hollow thin leaves that grow up to 12 inches. The chives have bulb formation like any regular onion.
The leaves are the main part that provides the flavor and is added to food as herb or an ingredient. Chives are known for a delicate taste and flavor and add an amazing flavor to the food. The stalks are long, slender, and hollow - and they grow from 10 to 15 inches or 30 to 50 cm tall. The stalks are a bright dark green. Chives are also flowering plant and the flowers are shaped like stars and are colored pink or purple. They bloom for about two months in the middle of summer.
Usage: Chives are a great add on in the dishes. It is added to salads, egg dishes, baked potatoes, fish, soups, and more. It adds a mild and fresh flavor to the food. It is a low calories vegetable and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is full of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Chives also contain high levels of iron and calcium and several antioxidant compounds, including beta-carotene, kaempferol, and quercetin. Chives help in fighting cancer-causing free radicals.
It helps in treating stomach and colorectal cancers. Chives also help in improving mental health. Chives contain a compound called choline. Choline helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. The vitamin K in Chives helps in increasing bone density. It also helps in regulating hormones. Chives are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. Chives also help in improving skin texture and reverse aging.
Below are some DIYs with chives:
- Apply the juice of chives on the lips for 10 minutes, help in keeping them soft and supple.
- Take 2-3 chives and extract their juice. Apply this juice directly on the scalp for 30 minutes. Shampoo it later. This remedy helps in strengthening the roots and promotes new hair growth.
- Take some lemon juice and some chives juice. Mix them together and apply on the face for 2-3 minutes. This prevents any developing any skin allergies and soothes the skin as well.
- Take a tablespoon of chives juice, a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel, mix them together with a teaspoon of organic honey. - - - Apply this mixture on the face for about 5-10 minutes. Once dried, massage it and rinse it off. This remedy helps in reducing the appearance of acne and protects the skin from wrinkling.