How To Store Chives

TL;DR

• Chives are best harvested when they reach about 6 inches tall, typically 30-60 days after planting.
• When properly wrapped, fresh chives can be stored in the refrigerator for 10-14 days.
• Freezing is an effective method for long-term preservation of chives, with a shelf life of up to 6 months.
• Aphids and thrips are common pests that affect chives, while fungal diseases like powdery mildew and rust can also be problematic.
• There are two main varieties of chives: common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and garlic chives (Allium tuberosum), each with unique flavors and culinary uses.

Introduction

Chives are a versatile and flavorful herb that can elevate a wide range of dishes, from savory omelets to creamy soups and tangy dressings (1). To make the most of this culinary powerhouse, it’s essential to understand the best methods for storing and preserving chives. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various techniques to keep your chives fresh, flavorful, and ready to use whenever inspiration strikes in the kitchen.

Harvesting Chives for Peak Flavor

To ensure your chives are bursting with flavor, it’s crucial to harvest them at the right time. Chives are best harvested when the plants are mature, typically when they reach about 6 inches tall, which is usually 30-60 days after transplanting or seeding. Mature chive plants, after 2-3 years of growth, can be harvested multiple times per year, up to once per month (2). Aim to cut the chives in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun becomes too intense, as this is when their flavor is most concentrated.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp scissors to snip the chives about 1-2 inches above the base of the plant. This encourages healthy regrowth and prevents damage to the plant. Gather the chives gently to avoid bruising the delicate leaves.

Keeping Chives Fresh in the Fridge

Once harvested, you can keep chives fresh in the refrigerator for several days to a week. Follow these tips to maximize their shelf life:

• Rinse the chives gently under cool water and pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner.
• Wrap the chives in a slightly damp paper towel and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
• Store the chives in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature and humidity levels are optimal for preserving herbs.
• Use the chives within 10-14 days for the best flavor and texture (3, 4).

Preserving Chives: Freeze Now, Savor Later

If you have an abundance of chives or want to enjoy their flavor year-round, freezing is an excellent preservation method (5). Here are three ways to freeze chives:

Flash Freezing for Loose Chives

1. Rinse and dry the chives thoroughly.
2. Chop the chives into desired lengths.
3. Spread the chopped chives on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re not clumped together.
4. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the chives are frozen solid.
5. Transfer the frozen chives to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
6. Label the container with the date and use it within 6 months for the best quality (6).

Freezing Chives in Ice Cube Trays

1. Rinse and dry the chives, then chop them finely.
2. Fill each compartment of an ice cube tray about 2/3 full with chopped chives.
3. Pour water, olive oil, or melted butter over the chives, covering them completely.
4. Place the tray in the freezer until the cubes are solid.
5. Pop out the chive cubes and store them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
6. Use the cubes within 6 months, adding them directly to soups, stews, or sauces as needed (5).

Preserving Chives in Butter, Oil, or Vinegar

Chive-infused butter, oil, or vinegar are flavorful condiments that can add a gourmet touch to various dishes. Here’s how to make each:

• Chive Butter: Soften butter to room temperature, then mix in finely chopped chives. Roll the mixture into a log, wrap it in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and refrigerate or freeze until firm. Slice off rounds as needed for topping baked potatoes, grilled meats, or vegetables.
• Chive Oil: Fill a clean, sterilized glass jar with fresh chives. Pour olive oil over the chives, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain out the chives and use the infused oil for salad dressings, marinades, or drizzling over finished dishes.
• Chive Vinegar: Follow the same process as chive oil, but use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead. The infused vinegar adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor to vinaigrettes, marinades, or pickling liquids.

Cooking with Preserved Chives: Ideas and Inspiration

Now that you have a stash of preserved chives, it’s time to put them to delicious use! Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stir frozen chive cubes into mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or creamy pasta sauces.
2. Brush chive butter onto grilled corn on the cob, baked potatoes, or toasted baguette slices.
3. Drizzle chive oil over caprese salad, grilled vegetables, or roasted chicken.
4. Use chive vinegar in a tangy vinaigrette for green salads or grain bowls.
5. Sprinkle dried chives over deviled eggs, potato salad, or creamy dips.
6. Mix chopped frozen chives into savory scone or biscuit dough for a pop of flavor.
7. Garnish soups, stews, or chowders with a sprinkle of frozen or dried chives.

Exploring Chive Varieties and Their Uses

While common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are the most widely used variety, garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) offer a unique flavor profile and culinary possibilities (16, 17, 18). Here’s a quick comparison:

Characteristic	Common Chives	Garlic Chives
Flavor	Mild onion	Garlic
Appearance	Hollow, green stems	Flat, green leaves
Culinary Uses	Garnish, salads, eggs, potatoes	Stir-fries, dumplings, pestos
Storage	Wrap in damp paper towel, refrigerate	Place in water, refrigerate
Preservation	Freeze, dry, infuse in oil or vinegar	Freeze, dry, infuse in oil or vinegar

Both varieties can be stored and preserved using the methods outlined earlier in this guide. Experiment with each to discover your favorite flavors and applications.

Troubleshooting Common Chive Problems

Even with the best care, chives can sometimes fall victim to pests or diseases. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

• Aphids: These tiny insects can cluster on chive stems and leaves. Blast them off with a strong jet of water or spray with insecticidal soap (19, 20, 21).
• Thrips: These slender insects can cause silvery speckling on chive foliage. Remove affected leaves and plant debris, as thrips can overwinter in these materials. Apply insecticidal soap. Neem oil can be effective for controlling thrips in general, but its use on chives is not specifically confirmed (22, 23, 24, 25, 21).
• Fungal diseases: Powdery mildew and rust can appear as white or orange spots on chive leaves. Ensure proper spacing between plants for air circulation, remove infected foliage, and apply a fungicide if necessary (26, 27, 28, 29, 30).

By staying vigilant and addressing problems early, you can keep your chive plants healthy and productive.

Sustainable Chive Storage Solutions

When storing and preserving chives, consider using eco-friendly options to reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact. Some sustainable storage solutions include:

• Reusable glass containers or jars for storing fresh or dried chives
• Silicone ice cube trays for freezing chive cubes
• Beeswax wraps or reusable food wraps instead of plastic wrap
• Biodegradable parchment paper for flash-freezing chives

Additionally, you can reduce waste by composting chive trimmings or using leftover chive-infused products in creative ways, such as adding chive oil to homemade salad dressings or using chive butter as a flavorful spread.

Conclusion

Chives are a delightful and versatile herb that can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. By mastering the art of storing and preserving chives, you’ll always have a supply of this flavorful ingredient on hand. Whether you choose to keep them fresh in the fridge, freeze them for later use, or infuse them into aromatic condiments, the possibilities are endless.

So, go ahead and experiment with different storage methods and recipes to discover your favorite ways to enjoy chives. With their vibrant flavor and endless culinary potential, chives are a true powerhouse in the kitchen. By incorporating this sustainable and delicious herb into your meals, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier and more flavorful lifestyle.

References

• #1: Chives | RHS
• #2: Chives: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Chive Plants (Herbs!)| The Old Farmer’s Almanac
• #3: How Long Do Fresh Chives Last?
• #4: Chive Shelf Life: How Long Do Chives Last and Storage Tips
• #5: Frozen Chive Cubes – Denison Farm
• #6: How to Freeze Fresh Chives Quickly and Easily | @OmNomAlly
• #16: Types of Chives – Food Gardening Network
• #17: Allium schoenoprasum – Plant Finder
• #18: Garlic Chives, Allium tuberosum – Wisconsin Horticulture
• #19: Aphid Control: How to Get Rid of Aphids on Plants | The Old Farmer’s Almanac
• #20: Chive Pests | Growing Guides | Daltons
• #21: Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control
• #22: Chives: Garlic Chives Thrips – Plant Guide
• #23: Thrips: Identify and Get Rid of Thrips | Control Garden Pests | The Old Farmer’s Almanac
• #24: Thrips / Onion and Garlic / Agriculture: Pest Management Guidelines / UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM)
• #25: Thrips Control for Indoor & Outdoor Growing
• #26: A Leaf Blight of Chive Caused by Botrytis byssoidea in California
• #27: Powdery Mildews – 2.902 – Extension
• #28: Chive Rust
• #29: Powdery Mildew Treatment & Prevention (A How-To Guide) | Garden Design
• #30: Leek rust / RHS Gardening