Are Chive Plant Flowers Edible?

Question:

I have several chive plants that have a light purple flower on the end of each top of the plant. Is this flower edible? And if so, can it be consumed raw, such as in a salad? Thank you.

Carol from Beverly, Mass.

Answer:

Carol,

A resounding yes! You can absolutely eat chive blossoms! Chives are members of the Allium family, and just in case you didn't know, many members of this family (including chives, leeks, onions, and garlic) produce edible flowers.

What is so great about chive plants is their versatility in the garden. As an herb, they produce edible stems and flowers. The stems work great as an onion substitute for roasts, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and soups. The peppery tasting flower petals make an attractive edible seasoning suitable for use in egg, cheese, and fish dishes or when kept intact and used as a garnish.

As a landscaping plant, chives produce bulbous, eye-catching purple, pink, or white blooms (depending on the variety) that sit on top of bright green tufts of decorative, grass-like stems. Chives are also good self-seeders, so if left to their own devices they will fill in a modest area of the garden quickly (under favorable conditions). Chives also exhibit some insect repelling properties, and bees love them. Once established, they aren't too fussy about their growing conditions.

Ellen