Monday, March 31, 2008

And You Thought Chives Were Only Chives...

Chives were used in the middle ages to cure the "blues". Nowadays we know that chives and their flowers are rich in vitamins A and C, folic acid (one of the B vitamins), calcium, iron, and potassium. Its high concentration of sulfur compounds and essential oils are responsible for their healing qualities.

This is what I have learned about chives, have not tested them as a health aid, only in the kitchen and love them.

-Chives soothe upset stomachs.
-Effective against heart disease.
-Stimulate appetite.
-Clear a stuffed nose.
-
Relieve flatulence.
-Believe it or not, sweeten your breath.

-Combined with a low-salt diet, reduce high blood pressure.
-Diuretic.
-Antibacterial.
-Reduces cholesterol levels.
-Good for cold prevention.
-Expectorant and mucus reducer.

Always:

-Chop chives just before using.
-Never heat them up, always add before serving.
-Flowers have a milder taste than leaves.
-Flowers can be added to the salads.
-Flowers good for garnishing.

If you plant them at home put in pot near a window. Cut when chives reach approximately 6 inches. Do not allow to blossom unless you want to use the flowers.

Chives can be frozen: Chop chives and place them in ice cube trays, add water. Defrost by placing cubes in a sieve before using.


Chives salt:
Chop chives
Add salt and mix
Place on cookie sheet
Place in oven at very low temperature until dry
Keep in hermetic container

Chives oil:

1 litter olive oil
3 chives buds
Let stand for a week or until it changes its color to a soft lilac
Keep refrigerated

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