Chives: Dutch Herb of the Year 2010

As you already know, VNK organised the election for the Dutch Herb of the Year for the First time this year. The votes have been counted and the winner is: Chives.

Why Chives? It is a delicious herb with a sophisticated taste that can be used in many dishes. Besides that, chives stimulate the appetite and helps digest fats. It has a positive effect on cholesterol and blood pressure and contains a lot of vitamin A and C. And it is a real spring and summer herb. When chives starts growing, you know that summer is coming and you can dream of long summer nights on a terrace with a nice salad with chives.  

Due to its refined taste, chives have been used for countless dishes throughout the centuries. 300 BC, chives were already used and cultivated by the Chinese. From there it was introduced into Europe, where it grew very well due to the colder, humid climate. Charlemagne ordered chives to be grown in all monastery gardens. It was thought it could help against drunkenness. 

Chives are related to the onion and grow best in humid, humus rich soils. This multi year plant has tube formed leafs on which red violet flowers grow from June till August. The plant can hibernate because it stores food under the ground.

The leafs of chives are eaten and can be used in salads, soups, sauces and warm dishes. The taste of chives is at its best when eaten raw. When chives are cooked together with a warm dish, the taste disappears. It is better to add the chives at the last moment.

This year, we will highlight chives. For instance we will give you some recipes with chives.

VNK has chives in its assortment. If you have any questions over our chives or the election, please contact us.