Money has to roll
I don't have much time today, I'm busy searching online for the best quality car tires for the best price, including mounting and balancing of the car. Unfortunately, that's part of it if your car needs new slippers. And even if it costs a pretty penny, it is still necessary because we discovered yesterday that our car has a soft rear tire. That's not how it should be, that's not what you want ... so before our car can roll again, the money will first have to roll out of our wallets. It's a pity, but it's no different.
And if you have to let your money roll that way, then you better think about what you can save on. That's for us, on the vegetables and herbs. We can grow them ourselves, which takes time, but it saves you money. It took a while before the temperatures in the Netherlands wanted to rise to better values. But now it really seems to be coming. Today, I don't notice it that much. Although the sun is shining, we currently have a temperature outside of no more than 14 degrees. Damn! It's mid-May, and it's just COLD!
Especially after we were able to enjoy temperatures of around 24 degrees last weekend. Anyway, towards the weekend that seems to be happening again. And it's about time too if you ask me!
Fancy looking herbs
Anyways, today I want to talk about one of the herbs that we have in abundance in our garden: Chives! You know, that herb of which you often see a few thin stems on your soup. They do this not just so it looks extra fancy, but also because of the taste, and they may even think further about the health benefits Chives can offer you.
The first thing you really need to know about chives is what it tastes like! If you love onions, you'll also love chives for their mild onion-like flavor. And yes, this flavor is great for adding an extra touch of flavor. You can use it as a seasoning in salads, soups, with your potatoes and chives also work really well in herb butter.
Packed with vitamins
It's a good thing that the taste of chives is good. Because that will certainly be a reason for you to use it more often. Especially when you know that chives are packed with vitamins. Vitamins C and A are abundantly present, but chives are also a supplier of calcium. Chives can even help you lower your blood pressure, and chives are also good for a healthy digestive system. You see, it's not wrong what those thin green stems have to offer. Did you expect this herb to be such a superfood?
Okay, now I've said enough about what it is, but how do you actually use it? Chives are a very versatile herb, great to cut and add to your salads, you can use it as a garnish for soups and stews, (as is done in almost every restaurant). But go wild and use chives in a dipping sauce such as guacamole, hummus or tzatziki. Or, as I mentioned earlier, using chives to make an herb butter is also delicious. You can even make a pure chive butter or chive cream cheese. Whatever you come up with, chives will be a perfect addition to your brunch or lunch or dinner!
Easy to grow, and easy to buy
If you don't have a herb garden, there's still nothing to worry about. You can always run to the nearest supermarket. It is actually available in most supermarkets. But growing your own takes up less space than you might expect, and growing chives is super easy. It's a herb where you really just have to watch out that it doesn't grow too fast. The photos I posted here of the flowers actually say that the chives have grown too far, would this happen to you too? Again, you don't have to worry. The flowers of chives are also very edible, and give the same mild onion-like flavor. It also looks great in your herb butter.
One of the biggest prejudices and misconceptions about chives is that they are only for decoration. I admit, you can decorate with chives! Really don't get me wrong... but more important to know is that chives are really full of flavor, AND can also offer a lot of health benefits.
Chives for your next brunch, lunch or dinner
I would say ... don't hesitate any longer and go into your garden, or to the supermarket to use some of those thin green stalks of chives at your next brunch, lunch or dinner. Your health and taste buds will thank you!