St Jacques Chives - Allium fistulosum

Allium fistulosum St Jacques is a perennial and hardy chive that produces bulbous stems at the base and long green leaves with a taste reminiscent of onions. It can be harvested all year round because it has the particularity of not flowering and not going to seed. Like all perennial vegetables, it is ideal for permaculture. Planting is done in spring or autumn.

Allium fistulosum St Jacques is a very old aromatic perennial plant. Its name comes from the pilgrims of St. James of Compostela, who used it to prevent scurvy. In terms of cuisine, the St. James Chive flavours salads, omelettes, soups, or sauces. Its taste is similar to that of onions.

This chive is mainly grown in the vegetable garden but can also be used as an ornamental plant. It belongs to the same family as garlic, onions, and shallots. It is a bit like the big sister of chives, but in an XL version, a clumping habit and hollow, cylindrical leaves.

Harvesting: it can be done throughout the year. It is possible to take a few centimetres of stems or a whole stem.

Storage: Chives can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator or for a few months by drying or freezing. However, it is preferable to consume it fresh to fully enjoy its fragrance.

The gardener's little tip: To limit watering, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also limits weed growth. The mulch should ideally be renewed every year.