Preserving chives...

**mama2James** · 05-06-2010, 03:08 PM

I have a huge patch of chives growing behind the garage, just curious as to the best ways to use/preserve them so they don't go to waste....

**StaceyS** · 05-06-2010, 03:23 PM

If you use butter, you could make chive butter (freeze in logs) to use on baked potatoes (or fish).

**lwlynch** · 05-06-2010, 03:49 PM

wonder if you could dehydrate them..

**mama2James** · 05-06-2010, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by lwlynch

wonder if you could dehydrate them..

me too... not sure of the method

**StaceyS** · 05-06-2010, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by mama2James

me too... not sure of the method

I've seen then this way in my grocery store. I'd think you'd just chop and dehydrate. If you tried to blanch first, they'd probably turn to mush.

**lwlynch** · 05-06-2010, 03:57 PM

i would think you would have to chop after or they would fall through a hole.. or use some kinda screen to keep from falling in..mmmmm..

**StaceyS** · 05-06-2010, 04:09 PM

Definately use a fine mesh screen. If you cut after, I would be afraid they'd just crumble.

**Missy** · 05-06-2010, 05:02 PM

You'd use a fine mesh screen to dehydrate chopped up.

You can chop them up put them in ice cube trays fill with water...chive ice cubes. Then when you needed the chicev you just toss the cube into the dish as it's cooking, or let the ice cube melt in a fine strainer.

**Contrary Housewife** · 05-06-2010, 07:32 PM

I can harvest fresh chives about 9 months a year, so I don't bother preserving to much of it. Even in winter they are very hardy until we get a solid freeze, and they bounce right back as soon as it starts to warm in late winter.

When I dry them I just lay cuttings on a paper towel for a few days until they are dried. They are very easy to break up or crumble into food once they have dried. You do have to use an awful lot to get good flavor, though.

**Grainlady** · 05-06-2010, 08:05 PM

You can dehydrated them, but I find them lacking in flavor, so I'd suggest freezing the ways the others suggested (butter, cubes of water).

I never run out of fresh chives because in the fall I'll bring in a clump in a planter or terra cotta pot and put them in a sunny window and use them all winter. They are quickly substituted in recipes for onions, which can tend to be expensive in the winter.

I usually pot chives, parsley and thyme in one pot. With those three herbs you have high nutrition from fresh food all winter long.

OOOPS, forgot to give instructions for dehydrating them:

(source: Making and Using Dried Foods)
With scissors, cut chive tops from the plant BEFORE flowers form. Chop into 1/4-inch pieces (use kitchen scissors for this process - it's easier than using a knife) . Do not wash, but discard any dirty pieces.

Spread chives in a thin layer over trays and dry at no more than 110°F (45°C) until brittle, about 4 to 6 hours.

To use: Dried chives add a mild onion flavor to salads and casseroles. Sprinkle 1 T. dried chives over an omelet before cooking or into 2 eggs to be scrambled. Add 1 T. with each cup of milk in a white sauce to add flavor and color.

**mama2James** · 05-06-2010, 10:05 PM

Thanks so much for all the tips! I love the idea of chive ice cubes! Grainlady, if I want to bring some inside for the winter, do I just dig up a part of the plant, roots and all and put it in a pot with potting soil? I could always use more green plants in the house!

**frugalfranny** · 05-06-2010, 10:50 PM

Thanks for asking - I needed the info too.......I think I will try dehydrating mine. I am hurting for freezer space. I have used the dried chives that you buy.......a VERY mild flavor but I can live with that.

**homemaker66** · 05-07-2010, 06:49 AM

I know this not about saving them but this is what I do with mine. At night when we are outside around the bon fire I take chives and shred them around onto the ground and this will keep the mosiquitos away and there is no harsh sprays on you.

**mama2James** · 05-07-2010, 08:08 AM

Wow, that's so cool to know that they can repel insects!

**Grainlady** · 05-07-2010, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by mama2James

Thanks so much for all the tips! I love the idea of chive ice cubes! Grainlady, if I want to bring some inside for the winter, do I just dig up a part of the plant, roots and all and put it in a pot with potting soil? I could always use more green plants in the house!

YEP, that's all it takes. It almost seems too simple, but they transplant very well, as do a clump of thyme and parsley. Just keep them in a sunny window.