Even the garlic chives make huge white globes of edible flowers. They are fun dipped in a light batter and fried as well. A little sweet chile sauce makes it a party!
They are edible, and when sprinkled over spring salads, they will lend a mild chive flavor as well as a beautiful shower of purplely pink. Chives and their blossoms contain similar health benefits as garlic and onions - anything in the allium family really. The blossoms contain milder sulfur compounds found in concentrated quantities in those allium members, that can reduce the risk of cancer. These compounds are reported to also have beneficial effects on the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems. The allium family, including your chive blossoms, are have anti-viral and anti-fungal compounds as well, just like garlic. Enjoy your chive blossoms regularly, and know that you will also be fighting cancer and viruses when you eat them!
Absolutly!! Salad and homemade chive blossom vinegar a lot of herbal flowers are edible. Here's a link to give you some more. http://herbgardens.about.com/od/herbalgardendesign/a/EdibleFlowerGar.htm
One of my favorite things to do with the purple flowers from my chives is to cut the soft ends from the flower and mix them into goat cheese for a spread that looks and tastes great.
Chives are in the garlic, leek, onion, shallot family and are best used fresh. The chives and the flowers are good in soups or cheese and cream based sauces. They are great on potatoes, egg dishes and vegetables. Chives are a delicate way to get onion flavor into a dish. Enjoy!
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