Garlic Chives

Photo: flickr user glyn_nelson

About

Green garlic is young garlic which is harvested before the cloves have begun to mature. It resembles a scallion, with its deep green stalk and a pale white bulb. The flavor of green garlic is still garlicky, but is much more mild with less of a bitter bite. When cooked, the green garlic sweetens,giving a new layer of depth to a dish.

Information

Other names: Jiu Cai, Oriental Garlic Chives, Chinese Chives, Chinese Leek, Ku Chai, Green Garlic

Translations: Ķiploki Maurloki, Česnakai Laiškiniai česnakai, Usturoi Arpagic, Češnjak Vlasac, Tỏi Chives, Krzewów owocowych, Bieslook Knoflook, लहसुन chives, Alho Cebolinha, Чеснок Зеленый лук, Σκόρδα Σχοινόπρασο, الثوم الثوم المعمر, 마늘 Chives, Česnek Pažitka, Kucai, Bawang Chives, 大蒜韭菜, L'all Cebollí, Česen drobnjak, Cesnak Pažítka, Aglio Erba cipollina, שום העירית, Vitlök Gräslök, Бели лук власац, ガーリックチャイブ, Ciboulette à l'ail, Knoblauch-Schnittlauch, Hvidløg Purløg, Hvitløk Gressløk, El ajo Cebollino, Часник Зелена цибуля, Kiinansipuli, Чесънът Chives

Physical Description

Garlic Chives appear to be long and lengthy. It is green and has a yellowish colored head. It bears close resemblance to a green onion

Colors: green, yellow

Tasting Notes

Flavors: sour, salty, spicy

Mouthfeel: Crunchy, Sharp

Food complements: Peppers, Onions, Garlic

Selecting and Buying

Buying: Very few stores have this type of plant. They are sold during the late summer/fall seasons.

Procuring: Garlic Chives are best grown in slightly acidic soil. There must soil must have highly organic matter as well as moderate fertility. They are grow up to 2 feet tall. Be careful not to overwater your plant so that it doesn't drown. Keep the soil moist throughout the season of growth.

Preparation and Use

One of the many uses for garlic chives was the treatment of parasites and intestinal problems.

Conserving and Storing

In order to store the Garlic Chives, you must think about removing the stems and leaves, especially if you are going to store many of them. They must be stored in a cool dry place like a refrigerator. They would probably last a couple of weeks but it is best to use them as soon as you can in order to be sure that they are fresh upon use.