Chives — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Chives should appear vibrant and fresh, exhibiting a uniform bright green color throughout their length. They should be tender and crisp, not limp or dried out, and the ends should be cleanly cut without fraying. Check for a fresh, onion-like scent that is not overpowering, indicating their freshness and proper storage.

Avoid chives that are discolored, have brown spots, or show signs of wilting. High-quality chives should feel firm and springy when lightly pinched between your fingers.

Fresh chives should be refrigerated. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag to maintain their freshness. Properly stored, chives can last up to a week.

Too much moisture can make chives slimy, so it’s crucial to keep them dry. Avoid placing them near ethylene-producing fruits, which can cause them to spoil faster. Using a damp paper towel helps retain their freshness without excess moisture.

Chives can last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. For longer storage, chives can be chopped and frozen for up to 6 months.

Leftover chives can be used in a variety of dishes to add a fresh, mild onion flavor. Chop them and sprinkle over salads, soups, or pasta dishes as a garnish, or mix them into scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a flavorful breakfast.

Use chives in a cream cheese or sour cream dip, or blend them into a butter to spread on bread or melt over grilled meats. If you have a lot of chives, consider making a batch of chive pesto or mixing them into a vinaigrette for salads. Chives can also be used as a topping for potatoes, whether baked, mashed, or roasted, or added to a cheese spread for extra flavor. For a quick snack, try sprinkling chives over cottage cheese or mixing them into a yogurt-based dip for vegetables.