Chives is a bulbous perennial herb belonging to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. Chives have long green stems and a mild, not-too-pungent flavor. The green stems are the part of the chives that are used as a herb. Chive stems are hollow and are usually used fresh. In terms of culinary appeal, the flavor of chives is considerably milder and more subtle than onion or garlic and its leaves can be used to flavor salads, dips, soups, stews, vinegars, cheese dishes sour cream and butter. Dried chives are excellent additions to soups and salads, as well as dips, soft cheeses and herbal butters. As an added bonus, chives is a good source of vitamin C.
Varieties: Garlic, Gigantic Garlic, Onion
RELATED PRODUCTS
Basil
Basil is perhaps the most popular and widely used culinary herb. It is a tender annual, aromatic plant with a spicy odor and flavor. It grows 12-18 inches tall and foliage color can range from green to purple. Foliage size can vary from large lettuce-like leaves to very small leaves, half inch in size.
It is a herb in the mint family that has a strong sweet aroma making it ideal for seasoning food. It is mostly used to flavor soups, stews, tomato dishes, meat, game, fish, egg dishes, herb butters and herb vinegars. It also has some medicinal benefits, including its use as a tonic to aid in digestion.
Varieties: African Blue, Amethyst, Ararat, Aristotle, Blue Spice, Christmas, Cinnamon, Crimson King, Dolce Fresca, Greek, Red Ball, holy Tea, Italian Large Leaf, Jolina, Lemon, Lime, Magical Michael, Mammoth, Oriental Breeze, Persian, Piccolino, Queen of Sheba, Red Genovese, Red Rubin, try Me, Spice Globe, Sweet, Sweet Thai, Thai Magic, Thai (red stem)
Chervil
Chervil is a delicate annual herb with light green, finely divided, fern-like leaves that resemble parsley. It has a mild, subtle flavor with hints of anise or licorice. In late spring to early summer, chervil produces small, white, umbrella-shaped flower clusters. It grows best in cool, shaded locations and prefers rich, moist soil. Commonly used in French cuisine, chervil enhances the flavor of poultry, eggs, seafood, and vegetable dishes, and is a key ingredient in fines herbes blends.
Varieties: Crispum, Curled, and Plain (Common Chervil)
Red Basil
Red Basil is a striking variety of basil distinguished by its deep burgundy to purple-red leaves and spicy-sweet aroma. It grows as a compact annual herb with glossy foliage and small pink to purple flowers that appear in mid to late summer. The flavor is similar to sweet basil but slightly more intense, with notes of clove and anise. Red basil adds both color and taste to salads, pastas, vinegars, and garnishes, and its vibrant leaves are often used decoratively in culinary presentations.
Varieties: Red Rubin, Dark Opal, and Purple Ruffles.
Thai Basil
Thai Basil is a fragrant, heat-loving perennial herb (grown as an annual in cooler regions) with narrow, pointed green leaves, purple stems, and mauve flower spikes. It has a distinctive sweet, spicy aroma with strong notes of anise and licorice, and its leaves are sturdier and more flavorful than common sweet basil. Thai basil retains its flavor well when cooked, making it ideal for stir-fries, curries, soups, and noodle dishes in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Varieties: Queen of Siam, Siam Queen, and Horapha (common Thai variety).
Thyme
Thyme is highly aromatic with a hint of clove and mint fragrance. Thyme can be used either fresh or dry. It is widely used in soups, stews, casseroles, stuffing and poultry dishes. Its flavor and fragrance is not adversely affected by long, slow cooking.
Varieties: Caraway, Creeping Lemon, Doone Valley (Lemon), English, Foxley, French, Golden Lemon, Highland Cream, Lemon, Red creeping, Silver Edge, Spicy Orange, Woolly
