Chives are a popular herb that can add flavor and color to many dishes, but you may not know where to look for them in the grocery store. Chives have long, thin green stems and a mild onion-y and garlic-y taste that makes them versatile to use in cooking. Once you know where to find them, chives can easily become a regular part of your recipes. This complete guide will walk you through all the places to locate fresh and dried chives during your next trip to the market.
Check the Produce Section
The most obvious spot to find fresh chives is in the produce section with all the other fresh vegetables fruits and herbs. Look for the chives in the refrigerated area where fresh herb bunches are sold. They will likely be near other fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill.
Chives are usually sold in a few different ways in the produce section
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Small plastic containers or clamshells holding about 1-2 ounces of chives. This is the most common packaging for fresh chives.
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Here are some small bunches of chives that have been wrapped in plastic or twisted ties.
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In mixed fresh herb bunches with parsley, dill, and other herbs You can buy the whole bunch of mixed herbs, or you can ask for just chives to be weighed out and put in their own bag.
When you buy fresh chives, make sure the stems are bright green and don’t look like they’re going limp or slimy. The fresher the chives, the better the flavor.
Check Pre-Cut Vegetables and Herbs
To make things easier, many grocery stores now sell mixed herbs and vegetables that have already been cut up. This section may also have chives. Look for:
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Salad mixes or stir-fry mixes that contain chives as an ingredient. The chives will be cut up into small pieces in these mixes.
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Pre-chopped onions or garlic that may have chives included.
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Pre-cut herb combinations where chives are mixed with things like parsley, cilantro, and basil.
Checking these pre-cut veggies and herbs can be a quick way to buy chives without having to chop them yourself. Just be aware that the pre-cut and packaged items are typically more expensive per ounce than buying whole produce.
Check the Fresh Herb Aisles
If you don’t see chives in the produce section, next check any fresh herb aisles your store may have. These are sometimes located in the produce department but may be a separate section. The fresh herb aisle will contain packaged fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and dill. Look for the chives either by themselves or mixed into herb blends. The chives sold here should still be fresh even though they aren’t sold loose.
Look for Dried Chives in the Spice Section
Dried chives are handy to have in your pantry and last longer than fresh. You can find jars or bags of dried chives in the spice section along with all the other dried herbs and spices. When buying, look for dried chives that are still vibrant green in color instead of dull or brownish. Smell the chives to check for a potent aroma. Dried chives will say somewhere on the packaging that they are dried chives or dried chive flakes.
Check for Chive Blossoms in Spring and Summer
Keep an eye out for chive blossoms at farmers markets and specialty grocers during spring and early summer. The delicate purple chive flowers have a mild onion taste that adds a pop of color and flavor. Since they have a short season, grab them when you see them available! Add the edible flowers to salads, soups, dips, and more.
Can’t Find Chives? Try These Substitutes
If your store is out of chives, don’t fret. You can substitute the flavor and color of chives with:
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Green onions or scallions, chopped, for a mild onion taste
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Minced garlic greens or leeks
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Onion or garlic powder
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Dried onion flakes in place of dried chives
While no other herb is quite the same, these substitutes can work well in a pinch. Ask the produce manager or submit a special order request so your store stocks chives regularly.
With this guide, finding both fresh and dried chives in the grocery store will be easy. Head to the produce and herb sections for the best selection. And don’t forget to check for chive blossoms in spring for a special seasonal treat. Add this flavorful herb to soups, salads, baked potatoes, and more to enjoy its taste and color.
