Can you substitute chives for green onions? (+7 Health benefits)
In this article, we will answer the question “Can you substitute chives for green onions?”, and what are the other substitutes for chives?
Can you substitute chives for green onions?
Yes, chives can be substituted for green onions. Chives are a nutritionally rich herb and can be used instead of green onions for garnishing or cooking. They can also be substituted for parsley or cilantro. They are extensively used in french cuisine where they are added to complement tarragon or chervil. Read on if you want to know what are the other substitutes for green onions and how to use them in your recipes.
What is the difference between chives and green onions?
Chives
Chive is a herb with long slender stalks that are dark green in color with thin bulbs. At the top of chive stalks, sit the shive blossom that is edible. The stalks taste very much like green onions and the bulb part has an onion-like flavor with a garlicky hint to it. It is inexpensive and is used fresh and raw to top steak or soup or can be added in baked potatoes, chive butter, omelet, etc. They are not as crisp as green onions and wither if cooked too long.
Green onions
Green onions or scallions belong to the Allium species. Unlike the white onions, green onions lack a fully grown bulb and have a very crisp texture. Green onions have a mild onion flavor, unlike white onions. They are used for salad, salsas, soup, seafood, noodles, curries, and sandwiches, etc. scallions are also used, along with chili and ginger, to make a condiment popular in the Philippines, called Palapa.
Bottom line
Green onions are a vegetable while chives are herb, therefore, more nutrient-dense. Green onions are inexpensive and do not require stir-frying or sauteing. Chives provide maximum flavor when lightly sauteed. Both the options are great when it comes to flavor. But if you want your food to be nutritionally rich, go for chives.
Other substitutes for green onions
Leeks
Leeks taste a lot like onions but milder and look a lot like green onions but thicker. The stem is a thick cylinder that opens up into a bundle of leaves. The white base and the dark green leafy top is usually removed, the middle light green part can be used as an alternative to green onions in pasta, sauces, and soups. The dark green leafy part is crisp and firm and can add a lot of oniony flavor to your stews.
Ramps
Ramps are often referred to as wild leeks or wild garlic and as the name suggests, ramps have a very pronounced onion and garlicky flavor. Ramps have broader leaves than leeks and are a good substitute for green onions in scrambled eggs, pickles, soups, etc. Ramps are known for their medicinal properties.
Shallots
Shallots taste like an amalgam of garlic and onion with a hint of garlic. These look a lot like onions and just like them, induce tears when cut. Shallots can be substituted for green onions in recipes that involve cooking to make it milder in taste.
Onions
White, red, yellow, and sweet onions can be substituted for green onions if used sparingly because they have a pungent flavor.
Other FAQs about Onions which you may be interested in.
How to cook onions without oil?
How much is a bunch of green onions?
Health benefits of green onions
Rich in fiber
Green onions provide about 10% of the RDI of fiber that keeps you full for longer, reduces cholesterol and the risk of heart diseases. Fibre also helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Anti-cancerous properties
Allicin present in scallions has been found to possess anti-cancerous properties.
Excellent medicinal properties
Extract of green onions has anti-microbial properties and is well known for its medicinal properties.
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
Fresh scallions are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. They protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of many diseases. They prevent premature aging.
Quercitin present in spring onions has anti-inflammatory functions and prevents blood clotting, thereby, playing an important role in a healthy heart.
Regulates blood sugar levels
The sulfur present in scallions controls the blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and is a good dietary choice for diabetes patients.
Promote eye health
Scallions are rich in carotenoids and vitamin A, which helps promote good eyesight.
Rich in Ascorbic acid
Green onions are an excellent source of vitamin C which is responsible for skin, bone, and immune health. It also improves iron absorption.
Bone health
According to various studies, scallions have been linked to keeping the bones healthy by boosting bone mineral density.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can you substitute chives for green onions?”, and what are the other substitutes for chives?
