Chinese Chives

Although related to common chives, the Chinese variety is quite different. The blossom—the flat-headed spray of star-shaped white flowers—is used as well as the blade. The blossoms have a very pungent smell and are more like garlic than onion in flavor. The blossoms appear only during certain times of the year, however; the rest of the time Chinese chives resemble more closely the common variety. Chinese chives are hard to find in other than Chinese markets, but are very easy to grow at home. Try them in place of common chives in salads and the like, but use them sparingly, as they are stronger. Rinse and dry them well, and store them in a plastic bag in the vegetable bin of the refrigerator; try to use them as soon as possible. Regular round chives can be substituted if necessary.