Chives

Chives, an edible herb in the family of onion, garlic, and leek, is prized for its flavor and delicate texture. Not only are chives flavorful, they are also very high in nutrients, making them a great addition to any well-balanced diet. But few people know the complex journey a simple chive takes before it arrives on your dinner plate in all its flavorful glory. Here is an in-depth look at the process of how chives are created and travel from farm to table.

Growing

Chives are a cool-weather plant that requires 12 to 14 hours of sunlight a day. Seeds and divisions of established plants are typically sown in early spring, directly into soil or in a pot or container. Chives prefer well-drained soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5, though they can tolerate slightly acidic soils.

Finished chive plants are usually about two feet tall and have bright green, hollow blades. The flower heads, which can contain up to 50 individual flowers, are usually purple but can be white or pink. Harvesting is usually done before the flowers bloom, since older plants become woody and their blades may even turn yellow. The leaves and flowers can be harvested multiple times during the growing season.

Harvesting

Once the chive plants are mature, they are ready for harvesting. This is typically done by hand and may require some pruning of the stems and leaves. The harvested chive plants are then placed in a basket and carried back to a packing house.

At the packing house, the chives are inspected and sorted based on size and quality. The leaves are then trimmed to a length of between four and six inches, with the lower stems usually cut off. The resulting chives are placed in eight or ten-ounce vacuum-sealed bags and weighed. The bags are then labeled with the weight and date of harvest, and the lot number is recorded.

Packaging and Shipping

Once the chive plants are weighed and packed, they are ready to be shipped. The chive bags are placed on pallets and loaded onto trucks to be sent off to processing centers. The temperature in the truck must be maintained between 33 and 38 Fahrenheit. At the processing center, the bags are then X-ray scanned to check for any contaminants such as stones or dirt.

The packages of chive plants then continue their journey to their final destination. Most chives are sent to supermarkets, restaurants, and other food sellers. During shipment, the chive bags are placed on trays and placed inside container boxes, which are then shipped via air or land.

Preparing for a Meal

Once the chive plants arrive at their final destination, they are usually kept refrigerated between 33 and 38 Fahrenheit. The leaves are usually stored loose in the original bag or cellophane wrapper for a maximum of three days. For longer-term storage, the leaves can be blanched, shaved, pureed or diced and frozen or kept in an air-tight container.

To prepare the chives for a meal, the leaves should first be washed thoroughly and cut into small, thin slices. The freshness of the chives can be tested by checking the leaves for crispness. They should not be limp or dark green, as they have lost their flavor and texture.

The sliced chives can then be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, omelets, baked potatoes, soups, and sauces. The flavor of the chives will be most bold when added towards the end of the cooking process, as overcooking the leaves can lead to a loss of flavor.

Ensuring Freshness

From farm to table, many steps have to be taken to ensure that chives arrive at the dinner plate in peak freshness and flavor. The temperature must be carefully monitored and regulated during the harvesting, packaging, shipping, and meal-preparing processes for optimal quality. Refrigerating or freezing chives during storage can also help to preserve the flavor and texture of the leaves for several days or weeks.

In conclusion, chives are a flavorful and nutrient-rich herb that requires careful attention and management to ensure that they arrive at the dinner table fresh and flavorful. The harvesting, packaging, and shipping processes are critical steps in ensuring peak quality of the chives, while carefully monitoring the temperature and properly storing the leaves is the best way to preserve their flavor and texture. By following these steps, you can enjoy these flavorful and nutrient-packed herbs in all their glory.