Chives, parsley, coriander and other aromatic herbs are widely used in cooking in various places in the world such as European and Eastern countries.
The first delicacy on our list is also very popular here in Brazil. After all, with Brazilian creativity, chives became a spice in risottos, soups, meats, pasta, potatoes and omelets.
In fact, did you know that, biologically, chives are of the same genus as garlic? Do you want to know more information about this ingredient? Then check out the text:
Contents
What is chives?
Chives are a green and creeping plant that is used as a form of spice in cooking.
It is believed that the Persians were the first to cultivate it, since there are records of chives that date from 3,200 years BC in the region where these people lived.
Generally, the chives reach about 30cm in height and are cut into slices or chopped to be added in several hot and cold dishes.
This ingredient is very beneficial for health. This is because, in addition to containing few calories, it still has important nutrients for healthy eating.
What are the types of chives?
For biology classifications, there are two species of chives that are from the same family. Both are very similar and sometimes even confused. But it is worth mentioning that there are small differences between them.
Check out the comparison below:
Common chives or green chives
- Scientific name: Allium schoenoprasum;
- Origin: Europe;
- Leaves: small;
- Flower color: purple;
- Aroma: soft.
Thin-chives or Welsh onion
- Scientific name: Allium fistulosum;
- Origin: Asia;
- Leaves: large;
- Flower color: yellow or white;
- Aroma: intense.
In both cases, the flower is also edible and can be used by cooking to decorate dishes and add a touch of elegance.
Chives properties
Chives are a very healthy vegetable. About 100g (about 1 cup) has approximately 25kcal, 5.6g of carbohydrates , 3.5g of dietary fiber, 10mg of lipids and only 4mg of sodium. Other properties of this plant are:
- Vitamin A: 0.07mg;
- Vitamin C: 45.6mg;
- Vitamin E: 0.21mg;
- Vitamina K: 6.4mg;
- Phosphorus: 33mg;
- Calcium: 48mg;
- Iron: 1.92mg;
- Zinc: 0.45mg;
- Copper: 0.06mg;
- Manganese: 0.21mg;
- Selenium: 0.5 mg;
- Magnesium: 15mg
- Potassium: 260mg;
- Protein: 1.8mg
Health Benefits
With so many properties, chives also have several health benefits. Know the main ones:
- Strengthens bones;
- Decreases symptoms of osteoporosis and arthritis;
- Fight bacteria;
- Reduces blood pressure;
- Helps to lower bad cholesterol (LDL);
- Stimulates the production of collagen and antibodies;
- Helps in hair growth;
- Prevents diseases like Alzheimer’s;
- Prevents cardiac and intestinal complications.
How to use chives?
Chives have many uses and are mainly used to flavor dishes. But, in addition to seasoning, it can be an ally in nutritional reinforcement, helping in obtaining nutrients.
In general, its use should be done a little before serving the dish or at the end of cooking. Thus, it maintains the flavor, color and aroma without losing its properties.
Can you freeze the chives?
Chives can be frozen without losing their flavor and characteristic aroma. To make it easier to cook and take up less space in your freezer, you can chop it while still fresh and place it in jars or plastic bags. It is not necessary to defrost: just remove it from the freezer and put it in the food.
Under these conditions, chives can be used up to 3 months after being chopped and frozen.
Do you have contraindications?
People who are intolerant of the various types of chives, onions and garlic should not ingest this ingredient.
Consumption is also not recommended for those with acute degrees of gastritis , as symptoms may worsen.
Can pregnant woman eat chives?
He can. There is, in general, no contraindication for pregnant women who are not allergic to the plant.
The main care, whether for pregnant women or not, is in relation to the correct hygiene . This is because the creeping plants (such as chives) may be carriers of parasites that transmit diseases such as toxoplasmosis .
However, when properly sanitized, this plant can bring benefits for pregnancy, since it is rich in water and contains properties such as vitamins and antioxidants.
How to plant chives?
Growing chives does not take up space and is not very laborious. When purchased, it usually still comes with the roots. To plant it, it is necessary to cut the white parts of the stem (about one or two hands above the root). You also need a vase, pot or PET bottle with holes underneath.
After organizing all this material, it’s time to get your hands on the ground:
- If the holes in your vase are very large, the ideal is to put a coffee strainer on the bottom, to prevent excess soil and water from falling;
- Place the soil (which must be soft and fertilized) to about half the pot;
- With the indicator, gently squeeze the earth by making small holes;
- With great care, place the stalk of the chives ( do not press against the ground because the root is sensitive);
- Place more soil until just over one edge of the pot;
- Water the earth (if you put it under the tap, scoop it with your hand to help retain the water and prevent it from falling aggressively on the chives);
- Place your plant in a well-lit environment, but not directly in the sun.
After 3 days of planting the chive stem, expose the plant to the sun. Between 7 and 10 days later, the chives should be born again.
It is a plant that adapts in temperatures above 15ºC and loves to sunbathe, as long as it is not too hot to burn the tips, as it happens between the hours of 10am to 4pm.
During the spring and summer seasons, chives tend to give flowers (the color varies according to the species) that can also be used.
Chives are a very popular ingredient in Brazilian cuisine. This seasoning can be used in various dishes in all seasons.
The plant is good for health, containing nutrients such as vitamin A and C.
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