The Chives and the Best Options for You
Generally confused with some of its close cousins, the chive is one of the most common bulb vegetables around the world. Contrary to what many believe, it is not a type of small onion that is pulled from the ground before fully maturing, but a different species within the same family. If you want to learn how to differentiate it and know more details about its origin, flavor, nutritional properties, health benefits, ways of consumption and storage, among other related topics, keep reading below.
What are chives?
The chive, whose scientific name is allium fistulosum, belongs to the same family as garlic, onion, leek, shallot and부추 chives (Allium or Liliaceae species). Depending on the place, it can be known by other names, for example scallion, Chinese onion, long onion, green onion or branch onion.
- Chives look very similar to chives, but differ in their bulb size. The stems are long and firm; the green leaves are erect, hollow and tubular, but this plant does develop an elongated white bulb, although it never reaches the normal size and shape of an onion.
- Its flavor is very similar to that of other Allium species, possibly an intermediate combination between onion and chives . In other words, its flavor is not as powerful as that of onion, but not as mild as that of chives. All its parts are edible and can be used interchangeably in the kitchen, however the flavor of the white base (bulb) is a little more intense than that of the leaves.
- Today green onions are grown and used all over the world, although due to their origin they are considered a staple of Asian food.
Nutritional properties
Chives are an excellent source of essential nutrients, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, beta carotenes, sulfur compounds, fiber, various minerals, and water.
Note: Percent (%) values are indicated for adults or children over 4 years of age and are based on a 2,000 calorie daily reference diet. These daily values can be higher or lower depending on the individual needs of each person.
It is highly recommended to include it regularly in our diet. Not only will it add flavor to food, it can also help us achieve the daily dose of many nutrients, without significantly increasing the number of calories we eat.
Healthy benefits of chives
Being a member of the Allium family , chives share many of the health benefits of other bulbs . Several cultures have not only used it as an ingredient in the preparation of recipes, but also as a natural remedy for the prevention and cure of multiple health conditions.
Taking into account the results of different investigations, these are the main benefits of consuming chives (scallion, green onion):
Helps in weight loss
Being such a low calorie vegetable, but rich in water and fiber, chives are a very convenient addition when trying to lose weight, as it helps to keep you feeling full longer, has a diuretic effect on the body and favors our metabolism.
