Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a member of the Allium family, which includes leek, onion and garlic. This particular species—the only one of this family to inhabit both the Old World and the Americas—is named from the Greek word that means, “rush” or “leek.” Like its botanical cousins, the herb presents itself in clumps grown from hills. However, the chive plant is usually the first herb to appear in spring and one of the last to succumb to winter’s grasp. The purple flowers, which resemble purple pom-poms, also possess sulfur compounds. While bees find them very appealing, predatory insects do not. hives contain vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting. Chives also contain folate. According to the ODS, this water-soluble B vitamin plays a role in conditions such as:*
- dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease*
- cancer*
- congenital heart defects*
- cognitive function*
- cardiovascular disease and stroke*
- depression*
- preterm birth*
