Garlic Chive Buds
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Garlic chive buds are small, unopened, oval-shaped, yellow floral buds that appear at the top of the long, light-green stems of flowering Garlic chive plants. These flowering varieties have more tender flower stems, slightly tougher leaves, and a more pungent flavor than other varieties. Unlike the flat and wide grass-like leaves, the round, hollow flower stems have a stiffer appearance, but when cooked, the edible stems and buds offer a succulent texture with a sweet, garlicky flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Garlic chive buds are available in the late spring through summer.
Current Facts
Garlic chive buds grow on plants that are botanically classified as Allium tuberosum and are also known as Chinese chives or Chinese leeks. Different varieties of the same plant are produced for various purposes, such as for their leaves or flower stems. The three main varieties are standard garlic chives, yellow chives, and flowering chives, which, unlike regular chives, develop edible buds that can be harvested before they open and mature. While Garlic chive plants are still typically grown as an ornamental in North America, they are widely used for culinary purposes, notably in Asian cuisines.
Nutritional Value
Garlic chive buds are rich in vitamins A and C to strengthen the immune system and also contain some B vitamins, carotene, calcium, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber to regulate the digestive tract.
Applications
Garlic chive buds can be used in both raw and cooked applications, and are prevalent in Chinese cuisine, where they are treated more like a vegetable than an herb, often found stir-fried or stuffed into dumplings. They can be used as a garnish, pickled and paired with charcuterie, or served on their own, such as when stir-fried in oyster sauce or dressed in sesame oil. Use them to impart a garlicky flavor in broths, soups, or butter, or employ them as a slightly milder substitute for garlic cloves. It is best to add Garlic chive buds at the end of cooking as their flavor will mellow out with exposure to heat. They pair well with meat, shrimp, and other seafood, tofu, noodles, eggs, potatoes, mushrooms, and herbs. Fresh Garlic chive buds have a short lifespan and should be wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a bag in the refrigerator for a few days, or at most, one week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Flowering Garlic chive plants are known as Gau Choy Fa in China, where they are considered a popular delicacy and are often referred to as "jewels among vegetables." Not only are Garlic chives popular in Chinese cuisine, but they also have a long history of medicinal use that was documented in ancient Chinese medical texts written during the Ming Dynasty, with evidence of its use dating back even further. Garlic chives are believed to promote Yang energy and were traditionally used to boost the immune system, increase energy, treat intestinal parasites, promote digestion, cure anemia, or serve as an antidote for some poisons. Garlic chives are also commonly used in Japan, where it is known as Nira and is frequently added to meat and seafood recipes or miso soup.
Geography/History
Garlic chive plants are native to Southeast Asia and have been cultivated in China for over 3,000 years. They are hardy perennials that are found in home gardens throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States and are said to be a good companion plant to carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, and even roses. On the other hand, they are warned against planting near asparagus, peas, or beans, which will compete for similar nutrients, and they can be invasive under some conditions as they spread readily by seed. Garlic chive buds can be found in specialty stores, Asian markets, or local farmers markets.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Garlic Chive Buds. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Taste With The Eyes |
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Buchu Jeon {Garlic Chive Blossom Pancake} |
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