Garlic Chive: A Distinct Culinary Herb
Garlic chives, also called Chinese chives or Chinese leeks, are a species of allium (Allium tuberosum) native to Asia, grown for its flat, grassy leaves. They are a separate species from common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and from true garlic - the flavor sits between the two, milder than raw garlic but more assertive than ordinary chives, with a subtle sweetness. The flat leaves and edible white flower stalks are used raw or briefly cooked in stir-fries, dumplings, omelets, soups, and salads, most often in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. They pair well with ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and eggs.