[robbodaveuk]

Ok this might sound stupid to you seasoned allotmenteers, but this is my first year at serious veg growing. A few weeks ago a neighbour gave me some establshed chives which I planted and are now in full flower (lovely big purple flowers). I was doing some weeding today and looking at the lovely flowers on the chives i wondered what they tasted like. So I pulled a flower head off and ate it, it was a very strong onion taste and really much stronger than the stems. Did I do something I shouldn't have done or is it ok to use the flowers.

 Dave.

[DD.]

It's not going to poison you!

It is more usual to use the stem, but there is not medical reason why you can't use the flower.

If you Google, there are not many recipes about - here's your chance to make a name for yourself!

[gobs]

Perfectly edible, well, hm, salads?

I use them for the vase.

[robbodaveuk]

Thanks DD and gobs, just wanted to make sure I hadn't eaten something I am not supposed to. Well I am still here with no ill effects and am going to make a spicy vegetable soup using the very strong flavoured chive flowers. Next time you walk past your chives, jut nip off a bit of one of the flower and try it.

  Dave

[WirralWally]

I use them in salads and for garnishes.
They also brighten up a cheese board.

[chicken soup]

Thanks for that info hubby takes salad to work every day so will pop a few flowers in tomorrow too.  Must tell him they are edible first though or he will think I have gone mad.  

[muntjac]

in a few weeks  ( 4 )add a litle sulphate of ammonia to the water 1/2 teaspoon this will help them lay down store for the winter and you will get some real picking before then  do this every month till sept then stop

[compostqueen]

I have loads of chives on my plot and at home. I eat them in sandwiches and omlettes etc. I think they're delish. The flowers are so pretty.  The rabbit like them too though  :roll:   I think egg mayo sarnis with chives are a must  

My husband dug up three clumps of my chives the other day to make room for some black plastic  :evil:

[Alex 98]

chive flowers are very trendy! along with nasturtians, calendular, borage hemerocalis, heartsease and pansies. All the best chefs use them and some you can even buy for extorinate prices in posh food halls but thats why we all have allotments!
more info read Sarah Raven, a big fan


Mrs. Smith
plant doctor

[gobs]

All flower eating is very trendy right now, so are chefs, some are even more trendy than knowledgeable. :shock:

[DD.]

All flower eating is very trendy right now, so are chefs, some are even more trendy than knowledgeable. :shock:

Right I'm off to eat me marigolds, (not the gloves), as the slugs seem to like them.

[gobs]

They like Lupins, too.

[pushrod]

don't eat the foxgloves though. Love chive flowers mind.