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{{Taxobox | '''color = lightgreen''' | name = Chives | image = Illustration Allium schoenoprasum0.jpg | image_width = 200px | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | subregnum = [[Tracheobionta]] | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Liliopsida]] | subclassis = Liliidae | ordo = [[Asparagales]] | familia = [[Alliaceae]] | genus = ''[[Allium]]'' | species = '''''A. schoenoprasum''''' | binomial = ''Allium schoenoprasum'' | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]] }} {{Otheruses1|the plant Chives}} '''Chives''' (''Allium schoenoprasum'') are the smallest [[species]] of the [[onion]] family<ref name="tropic">{{cite book | last = LaFray | first = Joyce | year = 1987 | title = Tropic Cooking: The New Cuisine from Florida and the Islands of the Caribbean | publisher = Ten Speed Press | location = Oakland | id = 0898152348 | pages = 292 }}</ref> [[Alliaceae]], native to [[Europe]], [[Asia]] and [[North America]]<ref name="mobot">[http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=J270 Allium schoenoprasum factsheet], from Kemper center for home gardening, ''retrieved on June 13, [[2006]]''</ref>. They are referred to only in the plural, because they grow in clumps rather than as individual plants. ''Allium schoenoprasum'' is also the only species of ''Allium'' native to both the [[New world|New]] and the [[Old World]]. Its species name derives from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''skhoinos'' ([[Cyperaceae|sedge]]) and ''prason'' (onion).<ref>[http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/mono/allia/alliu/allisch.html Gräslök], from Den virtuella floran, ''retrieved on June 13, [[2006]]'' </ref> Its [[English language|English]] name, ''chive'', derives from the [[French language|French]] word ''cive'', which was derived from ''cepa'', the [[Latin]] word for onion.<ref name="hc">[http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/aa022398.htm Chives], from homecooking.about.com, ''accessed on June 13, 2006''</ref> Culinary uses for chives involve shredding its leaves (straws) for use as condiment for [[fish]], [[potato|potatoes]] and [[soup]]s. Because of this, it is a common household [[spice]], frequent in gardens as well as in grocery stores. It also has insect-repelling properties which can be used in gardens to control pests.<ref>{{cite book | last = Kaufman | first = Peter B | coauthors = Thomas J Carlson, Kaufman B Kaufman, Harry L Brielmann, Sara Warber, Leland J Cseke, James A Duke | year = 1999 | title = Natural Products from Plants | publisher = CRC Press | location = [[Boca Raton]] | id = 084933134X | pages = 261 }}</ref> == Biology == The chive is a [[bulb]]-forming [[herbaceous]] [[perennial plant]], growing to 30-50 [[centimetre|cm]] tall. The bulbs are slender conical, 2-3 cm long and 1 cm broad, and grow in dense clusters from the [[root]]s. The [[leaf|leaves]] are hollow tubular, up to 50 cm long, and 2-3 mm in [[diameter]], with a soft texture, although, prior to the emergence of a flower from a leaf, it may appear stiffer than usual. The [[flower]]s are pale purple, star-shaped with six [[tepal]]s, 1-2 cm wide, and produced in a dense [[inflorescence]] of 10-30 together; before opening, the inflorescence is surrounded by a papery [[bract]]. The [[seed]]s are produced in a small three-valved capsule, maturing in summer. The herb flowers from April to May in the southern parts of its habitat zones and in June in the northern parts.<ref>[http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=J270 Allium schoenoprasum factsheet], from Kemper center for home gardening, ''retrieved on June 13, [[2006]]'', based on the position of the botanical Garden (Missouri)</ref><ref>[http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/mono/allia/alliu/allisch.html Gräslök], from Den virtuella floran, ''retrieved on June 13, [[2006]]'', The facts mentioned on the site apply to Sweden, which is in the northern part of the habitat zone.</ref> Chives are the only species of ''Allium'' native to both the Old World and [[New World|New]]. Sometimes, the plants found in North America are classified as ''A. schoenoprasum'' [[variety (botany)|var.]] ''sibiricum'', although this is disputed. There have been significant differences among specimens: one example was found in northern [[Maine]] growing solitary, instead of in clumps, also exhibiting dingy grey flowers.<ref>{{cite book | last = McGary | first = Mary Jane | year = 2001 | title = Bulbs of North America: North American Rock Garden Society | publisher = Timber Press | location = Portland | id = 088192511X | pages = 28-29 }}</ref> Albeit repulsive to insects in general, due to its [[sulfur]] compounds, its flowers are attractive to [[bee]]s, and it is sometimes kept to increase desired insect life.<ref>Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden. 0</ref> == Uses == === Culinary === {{limitedgeographicscope}} [[Image:Chives(GreenOnion) for Misoshiru PacificBeachHotel Waikiki.JPG|thumb|right|270px|[[Scallions]] are often mistaken for chives. In this photo, they serve as a garnish for Japanese soup [[misoshiru]].]] Chives are grown for their leaves, which are used for culinary purposes as condiment, which provide a somewhat milder flavour than its neighbouring Allium species. Chives have a wide variety of culinary uses, such as in traditional dishes in [[France]]<ref>[http://www.culinarycafe.com/Spices_Herbs/Chives.html]</ref> and Sweden<ref name="swe">Försök til en Flora Oeconomica Sveciæ by A. J. Retzius (1806)</ref>, among others. In his 1806 book ''Attempt at a Flora'' (''Försök til en flora''), Retzius describes how chives are used with pancakes, soups, fish and sandwiches.<ref name="swe">Försök til en Flora Oeconomica Sveciæ by A. J. Retzius (1806)</ref> It is also an ingredient of the ''gräddfil'' sauce served with the traditional [[herring]] dish served at Swedish [[midsummer]] celebrations. The flowers may also be used to garnish dishes. <ref>[http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/allschoenoprasum.htm Allium schoenoprasum], from Mountain valley growers, ''accessed on June 13, [[2006]]''</ref> Chives are one of the "[[fines herbes]]" of French cuisine, which also include [[tarragon]], [[chervil]] and/or [[parsley]]. Chives can be found fresh at most markets year-round, making it a readily available spice herb; it can also be dry-frozen without much impairment to its taste, giving home growers the opportunity to store large quantities harvested from their own garden.<ref name="hc">[http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/aa022398.htm Chives], from homecooking.about.com, ''accessed on June 13, 2006''</ref> ===In cultivation=== Retzius also describes how farmers would plant chives between the rocks making up the borders of their flowerbeds, to keep the plants free from pests (such as [[Japanese beetle]]s<ref name="japanese_beetles">http://www.selfsufficientish.com/pests.htm</ref>).<ref name="swe">Försök til en Flora Oeconomica Sveciæ by A. J. Retzius (1806)</ref>. While the growing plant repels unwanted insect life, the juice of the leaves can be used for the same purpose, as well as fighting [[fungal infection]]s, [[mildew]] and [[Fusarium ear blight|scab]]. <ref>Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979 ISBN 0-87857-262-7</ref><ref>Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. 1978 ISBN 0-88266-064-0</ref><ref>Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5</ref> Its flowers are attractive to bees, which are important for gardens with an abundance of plants in need of [[pollination]]. ===Medical uses=== The medical properties of chives are similar to those of [[garlic]], but weaker; the faint effects in comparison with garlic are probably the main reason for its limited use as a [[medicinal herb]]. Containing numerous [[organisulplide]] compounds such as [[allyl sulfide]]s<ref>{{cite book | last = Burdock | first = George A | year = 1996 | title = Encyclopedia of Food & Color Additives | publisher = CRC Press | location = Boca Raton | id = 0849394120 | pages = 87, 95-96 }}</ref> and [[alkyl sulfoxide]]s, chives have a beneficial effect on the [[circulatory system]], acting upon it by lowering the blood pressure.<ref name="phd">[http://www.vibrantlife.com/vl/herb-44.html Talkin' Chive], by Winston J. Craig, Ph. D, from Vibrantlife.com, ''accessed on June 13, [[2006]]'' </ref> As chives are usually served in small amounts and never as the main dish, negative effects are rarely encountered, although [[digestive system|digestive]] problems may occur following over-consumption.<ref name="phd">[http://www.vibrantlife.com/vl/herb-44.html Talkin' Chive], by Winston J. Craig, Ph. D, from Vibrantlife.com, ''accessed on June 13, [[2006]]'' </ref> Chives are also rich in [[vitamin A|vitamins A]] and [[Vitamin C|C]], and contain trace amounts of sulfur and [[iron]].<ref name="sal">[http://www.sallys-place.com/food/columns/gilbert/chives.htm Chives], from "Sally's place", ''accessed on June 13, [[2006]]''</ref> ==Cultivation== Chives are cultivated both for its culinary uses as well as its ornamental value; the violet flowers are often used in ornamental dry bouquets.<ref>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1082/is_n3_v40/ai_18339595/pg_2 Flower & Garden Magazine, June-July 1996, The lazy gardener's guide to potpourri]</ref> Chives thrive in well drained soil, rich in organic matter, with a [[pH]] of 6-7 and full sun.<ref name="mobot">[http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=J270 Allium schoenoprasum factsheet], from Kemper center for home gardening, ''retrieved on June 13, [[2006]]''</ref> Chives can be grown from seed and mature in summer, or early the following spring. Typically, chives need to be [[germination|germinated]] at a temperature of 15 °C to 20 °C and kept moist. They can also be planted under a [[Row_cover|cloche]] or germinated indoors in cooler climates, then planted out later. After at least four weeks, the young shoots should be ready to be planted out. Some prefer to replant the small clumps of chives available in plastic pots at some markets, thus avoiding unnecessary work with sowing seeds and cloche cultivation. In the winter, chives die back to the underground bulbs, with the new leaves appearing in early spring. Chives starting to look old can be cut back to about 2-5 cm; this length is also preferred when harvesting, making the unattractive yellowing appear close to the ground, so that the plant can retain its aesthetic value. ==History and cultural importance== Chives have been cultivated in Europe since the [[Middle Ages]], although signs of its usage date back to 5000 years ago,<ref name="hc">[http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/aa022398.htm Chives], from homecooking.about.com, ''accessed on June 13, 2006''</ref> used by the [[China|Chinese]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}} The Romans believed chives could relieve the pain from [[sunburn]] or a sore throat. They believed that eating chives would increase [[blood pressure]] and acted as a [[diuretic]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Romanian Gypsies have used chives in fortune telling.<ref name="sal">[http://www.sallys-place.com/food/columns/gilbert/chives.htm Chives], from "Sally's place", ''accessed on June 13, [[2006]]''</ref> It was believed that bunches of dried chives hung around a house would ward off disease and evil.<ref name="sal">[http://www.sallys-place.com/food/columns/gilbert/chives.htm Chives], from "Sally's place", ''accessed on June 13, [[2006]]''</ref> == Gallery == <gallery> Image:Allium schoenoprasum(01).jpg|Clump of chives Image:Chives flower.jpg|Close-up of a chive flower Image:Chives.web.jpg|Close-up of a flower Image:Chives small three-valved capsule with seeds.jpg|Capsules with seeds Image:Chives.jpg|Close-up of a clump of chives </gallery> ==See also== *[[Chinese chives]] == References == <div class="references-small"><references/></div> == External links == {{Wikiversity-bc|Allium schoenoprasum}} {{Commons|Allium schoenoprasum}} {{Cookbook|Chive}} * [http://www.foodgenius.com/index.cgi?action=nutrition&ndb_no=11156 Nutritional Information] * [http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chives65.html Mrs. Grieve's] "A Modern Herbal" @ Botanical.com * [http://www.selfsufficientish.com/chives.htm Chives, history, clutivation, container growing and a recipe] {{Herbs & spices}} [[Category:Allium]] [[Category:Herbs]]

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