Last updated on May 31st, 2013
AAH, CHIVE BLOSSOMS. I think the lavender-pink petals are delicious when sprinkled over salads, pastas and other foods which benefit from a hit of onion. The flowers are in bloom for only a short time (here, mid-May to mid-June). But you can enjoy their unique taste and beautiful color all year long if you make a simple infusion called Chive Blossom Vinegar.
Chive Blossom Vinegar
White Wine (or Champagne) Vinegar
Chive Blossoms (I use 7-10 per half-cup vinegar)
A clear glass jar (or bottle) with a tight-fitting lid
Place the chive blossoms in a sterile jar, then add enough vinegar to cover the flowers. Cover with a lid. Set the jar outdoors in the sun.
In about 24 hours, the vinegar will turn a lovely blush tone. After two weeks, a deeper pink color and a wonderfully intense onion flavor will develop.* At this time, strain out the blossoms, and decant to a beautiful jar.
*Last year, for the sake of experimentation, I gave the concoction only one full day of direct sun. Then I brought the bottle indoors to a dark cabinet. The rich color and deep flavor developed perfectly well in the dark location.
As you might imagine, Chive Blossom Vinegar makes a welcome host or hostess gift. My bottle, pictured up top, will be given to the friends who are hosting me for dinner tonight. Because the batch is newly made, I’ll leave the blossoms in the bottle. A gift card, tied to the bottle with raffia, will advise my hosts to remove the blossoms when two weeks have passed.
Think you’ll make this elegant elixir before your chive blossoms are history? Trust me, on some cold, snowy day in winter you’ll be glad to have this little reminder of spring. I find that when I make a dressing of Chive Blossom Vinegar and olive oil, no other seasonings are required for my salad.
Don’t miss anything at A Garden for the House…sign up for Kevin’s weekly newsletter!
Related Posts:
Greek-style Yogurt
Cheese Danish
Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
Adele says
Kevin, this looks AND sounds delish! My chives are only now coming into bloom. I'm in a colder zone than you.
Katreader says
Ohhh I hope I'm not too late to try this. I used to make all kinds of herbal vinegars-must get back to it. Hopefully my chive blossoms aren't too spent!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Katreader – yes, huuurrrrry!!! It's worth it!
Gregory says
The farmer's market had flowering chive stems yesterday, but I didn't buy any. Now I'm hoping they will have them next Saturday so I can make this beautiful brew. Love the color!
Phoebe says
Boo hoo! My chive blossoms are all dried up! But the vinegar does look worthy of gift giving!
Leslie Maher Swift says
Sounds delicious.
Terry says
I still have some chive vinegar from last year, so I wondered if I could dry the flowers like herbs? Or freeze them? Have you done that before?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Terry – My understanding is that the flowers do not retain their scent/flavor when dried. Vinegar is still the best way to preserve the beautiful essence.
Pepi Noble says
Perfect timing Kevin – my chives started blooming this morning. Also the Hollandaise was lovely
snowflake says
My Chives are just starting to bud out and this is a beautiful way to use them…. thanks Kevin
Anonymous says
You are amazing. I absolutely all the things you do!
Cheers, Robin
despina says
My chive blossoms are in full bloom. I will try this next weekend. Does the lid have to be perfectly sealed, or will any jar do?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Pepi Noble – Glad you tried and enjoyed the Hollandaise!
snowflake – Great! I think you'll love this chive infusion.
Robin – Thanks – You are too kind.
despina – Any jar will do, although it should should be made of clear glass (you'll want to see the beautiful pinkish-purple coloring the vinegar takes on). The lid should fit tightly enough so the essence of the chive blossoms doesn't evaporate. A mason jar with lid is fine, as is a perfectly clean wine bottle with cork.
Broken Barn Industries says
Love this idea! I used a pint mason jar and cheap vinegar, but I linked to your post since your bottle and vinegar are so much nicer.
Jeanne Collins says
Just curious, since I’m the basically lazy and forgetful sort, what harm would it be to not strain out the flowers?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Jeanne Collins – After a lengthy period, the blossoms will probably fall apart. So removing them is mostly a matter of aesthetics.
Rosemeri says
Kevin, I started a jar of chive vinegar just a few days ago for the first time. It is just a small jar because I don’t have many blossoms right now. The directions I found said to put the jar in a cool dark place for a couple of weeks and then straining. You put yours out in the sun. Do you leave it out the whole 2 weeks? Is there much difference in the final product do you think doing it one way rather than the other? Your post is beautiful, as always. Thanks.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Rosemeri – Unless I’m giving a new batch as a gift, I leave the jar or bottle of vinegar (stuffed with blossoms) out doors for 2 full weeks. As the sun warms the vinegar, the blossoms can’t help but release their pink, perfumed essence much more intensely than had they been left them in some dark, cool place. Well, this has been my experience.
Rosemeri says
Thanks, Kevin. I’m going to try it your way.
Donna B. says
Oh that’s so beautiful!!! And that’s a beautiful container to keep them in as well!
I’m a it preturbed that my chives didn’t come back this year – usually they’re growing like weeds! I don’t think they were very happy being shaded out by tomatoes…
My MIL chive’s are blooming right now… maybe I’ll go over there and make some vinegar for the both of us with them!
For cleaning purposes I make citrus-infused vinegar – when she saw my jars sitting on the porch she was enamored at the thought!
I love sharing ideas from gardener’s I read about daily in my lives. It’s enriching~
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Donna B. – Yes, snip those chive blossoms while the getting is good. And what a great gift to share with your MIL. Just don’t confuse the chive blossom vinegar with the citrus one, lest your house smell like onions instead of oranges!
Sylvia says
Oh I’m very excited about this one. My chive blooms have been going steady for a week and I still have buds unopened and I have the right vinegar and a beautiful bottle. What a wonderful gift for a very kind hearted friend of mine. Thanks Kevin,
Rich Fletcher says
Great idea ! Thanks , my blossoms are just about to open 🙂
Mary Howe says
If you dry the stems, will they lose their onion taste?
Anna Lapping says
I’m going out to pick some chive flowers right now!
Joetta Fort says
Wonderful idea! I’m off to see if I have a bottle, or buy one.
Elena says
As soon as I saw this I went out and picked some chive blossoms, and even had some of those cute little frappicino milk shaped bottles to put them in. I’ve always wondered if there was something I could use the blossoms for besides looking pretty in the garden. Can’t wait to try the infused vinegar. You always have creative ideas and I love your blog.
Oriane says
Bonjour,
I love flavored vinegars and what a great idea for gift giving.
Merci
Noelle Imparato says
That’s just the kind of ideas I love. I will try it. Thank you fro sharing.
Gail says
I really want to try this! Couple of ?’s, Do you leave the vinegar out in the sun the entire 2 weeks and how do you store it. Does it last indefinitely? Thanks so much.
Sally at Natural Designs Studio says
This is wonderful vinegar and I like your gift idea!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Mary Howe – Can’t say for certain, but I suspect the chive blossoms do lose their taste when dried. For Chive Blossom Vinegar, I use fresh blossoms.
Gail – Do give it a try! I’ve always let the vinegar/chive blossoms steep outdoors in the sun for two weeks. Probably I’m overdoing it. The goal is a deep pink color, and a rich and full aroma/taste. This could occur in 2 weeks or perhaps just 5 days. Your eyes (and nose) will guide you. After I remove the blossoms, I store the vinegar just as I do my other condiments — in a dark cupboard. The vinegar keeps indefinitely.
margot says
thanks will pick some tomorrow…here we are coming to the end of the season as winter is roaring in on us down under in Oz…..I just kept picking flowers this year that had gone to seed and for the last 4 months they just kept having more and more…I just want to plant them everywhere especially under roses as they prevent the black spot and aphids run away from the roses within 2 days no matter how badly the rose is infected…now I use your chive blossom vinegar with the last of them before I cut them back for the year….thanks for such wonderful ideas
Debbie Rea says
I LOVE edible flowers and have gotten a big bang recently out of using chive blossoms things I’ve made for a couple bring-a-dish events. How long does your vinegar retain its color? (I’m asking because one of the websites that doesn’t make it in the sunshine says, “Keep this vinegar in complete darkness or the color will fade in a few hours.” – http://herbgardens.about.com) And do you have any recipes or recommendations for how to use the chive blossom vinegar? By the way, I take it you’re leaving it out at night, too, when you make it? And you’re storing it at room temp when it’s done?
Gail says
Thanks Kevin, I am definitely trying this. The chives are just coming into bloom. Any suggestions on where to buy large bottles of the white wine vinegar? Thanks again!
Gail says
Another ? for you Kevin after reading all the other posts~~can a cheaper white vinegar be used, say rice or plain white vinegar be used?? Thanks:-)
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Debbie Rhea – The color — at least for me — doesn’t fade in a few days. Yes, while the blossoms are steeping in the vinegar, I leave the vinegar outdoors day and night. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, although I’ve left the vinegar outdoors for 2 weeks, this is not a hard and fast rule. The color and aroma should be your guide. I use Chive Blossom Vinegar in place of plain vinegar for salad dressing. Otherwise, no recipes to report.
Gail – You could very well use any white vinegar for this. The bottle in the photographs above actually contained white wine vinegar. I transferred the vinegar to a jar, stuffed the bottle with chive blossoms, then returned the vinegar (1/2 cup) to the bottle. It made a nice, gift-y presentation.
Diane says
Kevin – have you done sweet basil vinegar? Will that work?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Diane – Have not tried sweet basil vinegar. But yes, this technique would certainly work with basil. If you use purple basil, the vinegar will turn a nice “royal” shade!
Patty Irwin says
I hav’nt been able find white wine vinegar. Regular vinegar. Yes. I could have use it but it wouldn’t be the same. Right? I ended up buying two bottles of what I thought was white wine vinegar but its more yellow tinted so I may not get that beautiful pink look.
Where can I get white wine vinegar?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Patty – Go ahead and use regular, clear white vinegar. I think you’ll be happy with the results.
Chuck says
Cool. Your blog is one of the things I look forward to, I always learn a great deal. Thanks for the photos too. Your raised beds are amazing. Never heard of infused vinegar, but yeah, I’ll try this. I’m excited to see how this looks and tastes.
Thanks.
Terri H. says
I found some champagne vinegar so I’m trying it! Already pink… and the bottle the vinegar came in is pretty, so I’m just going to get the labels off and put the finished concoction back in there. Thanks!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Chuck – What a kind comment – thank you. Hope you’ll make this vinegar. Its taste defies description.
Terri H. – That’s exactly what I did — purchased vinegar already in a beautiful bottle. Have you smelled the infusion yet? Get ready for an aromatic surprise!
Patty Irwin says
Oh good, next bottle will be white vinegar. Thanks
Pamdemonium says
Kevin, This is the second year I’ve done this, but this time I’ve done four jars. Last year I did one jar and gave it away as a gift. I was told it was the best vinegar ever by the recipient. So, I will keep one or two for myself this time and have a couple to give to my very nice neighbors. How cool is it to make a great gift from your very own garden? Very cool. Thanks again!
MemaBlueEyes says
Loved reading all the comments and thank you for all the information. I love discovering new things.
Krystal says
So, finally popped open the jar of chive blossom vinegar that I’ve had sitting in the cabinet letting get all yummy since Spring. I used it making a really light and fresh pasta salad and OH MY GOSH is it sooooooo good. With some fresh herbs added from my container garden the salad tastes like Summer. I am definately saving some of the vinegar for a cold February day when thoughts turn to seeds and warmer weather.
Joan says
My garlic chives are just blooming now! Way off schedule. They were covered up by some raspberry canes that had wandered into their spot. Have you ever tried this with garlic chives? the blossoms are white, so I don’t think the vinegar would be as pretty, but I am wondering about flavor.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Joan – I think garlic-chive vinegar would be delish. As you said, the only downside is that you won’t get the pretty color.
Pam says
Diane, I have done this with both basil and tarragon. I can’t wait until next spring to try it with the chive flowers.
Nancy@livininthegreen says
Thanks for your post! I have been making chive blossom vinegar for years and it’s one of my favorites for sure! I actually have bottles of it in my pantry because I make so much. I also love Tarragon vinegar – a huge favorite too. Thanks for sharing such great info!!
PattyM says
Just put mine out in the sun!! Thanks so much for the idea!!!
Helga G says
Kevin, as usual you keep spoiling us with your amazing recipes. Thank you.
Definetaly will make some Chive Blossom Vinegar this year.
Marlene says
What do you think about using the unopened chive buds? I pinched them off before making chive pesto, another great recipe from Kevin.
gloria says
Hi Kevin,
After the walloping success I had with your winter-sown seed idea (still trying to figure out where to plant all my baby sproutlings) I’m guessing this is a great idea too. So I’m giving it a try as soon as my chives open. Couple ??. Do you need to wash the flowers first, if so, how’s the best way? And, I didn’t plant any of my chives, so I’m not sure if they are wild or what they are. I only know they look like chives and I have clumps in various parts of the yard and gardens. Think I should go for it anyway? Also, what to do with the rest of the plant? I don’t like to waste anything. Got any good suggestions (oh I bet that’s a silly question)
~gloria in western NY
gloria says
And one rhetorical question which you don’t have to answer for obvious reasons. How do you get all these wonderful things done and still find time to answer all the comments you get?
Just wondering.
~gloria again
Lynda says
OH! Too late for me this year! I just looked out the window and my chives are already gone to seed. Well, there is always next year, and I believe I will try the Garlic Chives mentioned above as they have yet to bloom! 🙂
Thanks Kevin!
Jody says
This sounds really great. I do have a question, though, regarding safety. You said put this in a sterile jar – should you boil the jar?
Is there any danger when creating vinegars? Do you have any guidance on what is safe to add to vinegars?
(I recentlyl wanted to create a dipping oil, with ingredients like garlic and herbs, and found out that if you leave this around, it can develop botulism. Of course, that applys to oils and oils are different.)
I really love your site – you have such practical and great ideas.
Thanks so much, Jody (just a bit paranoid)
Joyce says
Kevin,I’m a 70 year old woman, and you’re teaching me new tricks. I picked some chive blossoms and started making my vinegar this morning. IT’s already a lovely pink color. And your winter gardening was a revelation to me. What an easy way to have “hard to start” plants. I was unable to buy seeds at that time of year, but this year I’ll be prepared. I had only a few different kinds of seeds to play with – columbine, batchelor’s buttons, tomato seeds, and pepper seeds. They all sprouted, except the pepper. I was so surprised and pleased. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Joyce
Helen says
I made this last summer and it really is delicious! I can’t wait for my chive blossoms to open. I used it mostly for salad dressing but the mayo I made with it was my best batch of mayo ever. So good on potato salad.
jessica says
oooh thank you for this beautiful thing to make. just put it in a little glass jar. it’s sitting outside waiting for the fusion. can’t wait to taste it.
Sharon says
Can one use empty baby food jars that have been put through the washing machine?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Helen – Good idea! I hadn’t thought to use chive blossoms vinegar for mayo-making. Sounds delish.
Sharon – Yes, that’s what I do. (Dish-washing machine.)
Sharon says
thanks Kevin, silly mistake – – -not thinking clearly this morning!
Alice says
What a wonderful idea! My chives, that survived our unusually harder-than-normal winter and picked right back up with growth a number of weeks ago, currently have these pretty little purple flowers on them. I didn’t know if I was to pick off the flowers or not, so now I know what to do with them! Thank you so very much, Kevin!
Kelly Foster says
I made it this year! I’m giving one to my mom and another to my bestie, and one for me. I love flavored vinegars and olive oils on salad. Thanks for the recipe!
LJ says
I haven’t done this in years. Thanks for the memory!
Shelagh- The Gaited Gardner says
Hi Kevin,
Another exciting idea to try. Thank you! I’m off to the Dollar Store to find some pretty bottles and to load up on more vinegar! Thanks to everyone for their comments. I can’t wait to try this vinegar in mayo and potato salad. Garden on!
Greer Conrad says
I did this using Thai basel blossoms. It makes delicious vinegar and it also is pink. I shall have to try with chive blossoms too.
Dianetg says
Kevin – I made this last summer for Christmas gifts and it was a fabulous hit – so much so that I have had some not so subtly made hints for some from from family who received none. My newest batch is now becoming beautiful on my picnic table. Thank you so much!
Sandi says
My chive blossom vinegar from last season patiently awaits your perfected Chive Blossom Vinegar Salad Dressing recipe. Have I missed it somehow? Might you be so kind as to post it again? Many thanks for ALL of your awesome recipes!
Mary in Iowa says
I’m thinking this year I’ll try making it with garlic chive blossoms in August, then mixing it with the pink chive blossom infusion made in spring. That way I’ll have the best of both flavors while still retaining the pink color, albeit a lighter hue than the straight oniony chives.
Shari in British Columbia says
I am wonder how long the vinegar lasts? do you keep in the refrigerated or in the cupboard?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Shari in British Columbia – Chive Blossom Vinegar doesn’t last long in my house, because I use it frequently. But it should keep indefinitely. You can certainly refrigerate the elixir after you’ve removed the blossoms. Enjoy!
Terry says
I let mine steep for at least 2 months. I make gallons of it and give it away in jars for Christmas.
The longer it steeps, the deeper the color gets. Try and be patient and let it go longer. It will be worth it.
Linda Conti says
Hi Kevin. I recently signed on to your weekly newsletter and I made the chive vinegar. It is fantastic. I had no idea those flowers were so useful! I’ve been telling everyone about it. Next year I will certainly make more than one batch.
I also learned from you more about removing the tomato “suckers” and I am on it!
Thanks for the great ideas.
It worked just like a magnifying glass. says
Be careful with the round shaped glass jars in the sun! I set my porch steps on fire this way. Sounds incredible but it happened. It worked just like a magnifying glass.
Cherylann McGuire says
I just decanted mine! It looks great and tasted wonderful. It will be part of a gift basket to be donated to my favorite charity auction. Thank you!
Jean says
Hi, Kevin, I did exactly as instructed in the recipe, in the proper ratio, and the first day in the sun the champagne vinegar turned a lovely pink, but after a few more days in the sun, it faded back to a clear vinegar. I haven’t tasted it yet, but,…what did I do wrong? Jean