Erba Cipollina

Although they have been well known for many centuries, chives have only recently been rediscovered by modern Italian cuisine. This energetic herb grows in bushy clumps and has long, thin dark-green hollow stalks that reach about 30 cm (12 inches) in height and which are topped with pretty violet flowers. Its mild flavour falls somewhere between that of garlic and onion, giving it a wide variety of uses. The stalks are used finely cut in egg dishes, added to soft cheeses, salads, consommés and on crostini with tomato.