ABSTRACT
Chive is the only species of Allium group, which is native to both the Old and New World. In India, both European and Chinese chives are minor vegetable and grown on large areas. Chive is the smallest species of Allium genus and family Alliaceae, which includes other crops such as shallot, onion, garlic, leek and bunching onion. Chive is a nutrients rich food, meaning that while it is low in calorie, it is high in beneficial nutrients like minerals, vitamins and antioxidants too. It is an excellent substitute of salt and a perfect aid for those who are on a low-fat and salt-restricted diet. Chive is mainly used as garnish, and its fresh chopped leaves are stir-fried and used as flavoring in dumplings, soups, stews, pasta, salads, etc. Chive is a monocot, small perennial herb growing in clumps. Plants can be grown from seed or divisions of 2 to 3 bulbs.
