Content
- Harvest chives correctly
- Time and tool
- Cut properly
- Can you use flowering chives?
- Flowers and buds are edible
- Tips & Tricks
Harvest chives correctly
Chives have an aromatic, leek-like taste - no wonder the herb belongs in the same plant family as onions, leeks & Co. - and also contains many vitamins. Most of the tender stalks of leeks are used fresh and raw, but they can also be frozen or otherwise preserved.
Time and tool
Basically, the stalks of chives can be harvested throughout the year. Depending on the variety, there are chives with fine, tender and thicker shoots. Also in terms of taste, the different types of chives differ. It is best to harvest the stalks early in the morning, because at this point in time they contain their highest concentration of essential oils and therefore have a lot of aroma. For cutting you can use a sharp and clean knife or a pair of scissors - it is important not to squeeze the shoots or unnecessarily hurt.
Cut properly
Cut the stems about two to three centimeters above the ground, making it easier for the plant to recreate fresh shoots. However, some shoots are split several centimeters above the ground and have almost doubled. These double shoots cut as far as possible above the fissure, so the two shoots are preserved and can continue to grow. When harvesting, make sure that you do not indiscriminately cut the shoots, but instead systematically thin out the plant - the more light and air the individual stems have, the better the whole plant will thrive. The harvested chives should be used as soon as possible or freshly frozen. If this is not possible, place the whole stalks in a glass of water - this way the chives will last for a few days.
Can you use flowering chives?
Flower-bearing chive stems are hard, taste very bitter and are therefore inedible. For this reason, many people cut off budding inflorescences as quickly as possible, so that they do not reach maturity. Regular harvesting can prevent the flowering of chives - but you should cut off all stalks regularly to within three inches of the ground.
Flowers and buds are edible
However, this is actually not necessary, because both the distinctive flowers and the still firmly closed buds of chives are edible. The buds can be processed into the wrong capers by placing them in vinegar and salt. The flowers are wonderful for the decoration of soups and salads, but can otherwise be used just like the shoots of chives. They have a strong, quite sharp aroma, which is however - due to the high nectar content - at the same time quite sweet. You can wait for the flowering period, harvest flowers and buds and then cut down the stalks vigorously.
Tips & Tricks
You can simply multiply planted gardening chives by simply planting the flower and waiting for it to develop its seeds. Mostly chives sow by themselves, they do not have to do anything for it.
IJA