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Chives

A relative of garlic, shallot and leek

Chives © the City of Helsinki materialbank, Marianne Saviaho
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Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are familiar to many as a herb used in cooking. They are indigenous to seashores and islands. Chives grow in abundance on the rocky shores of Harakka island, where they are easiest to distinguish in the midsummer when they bloom. The blue-red flowers attract plenty of insects.

In addition to cooking, chives are also used for medicinal purposes. In the past, the plant was used by sailors as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

Ruohosipuli, kuva Helsingin kaupungin aineistopankki, Marianne Saviaho.

Helsinki City Material Bank, Marianne Saviaho.