The Difference Between Chives And Green Onions

When browsing the produce section of our local grocery store, it may seem that a lot of things look pretty much alike. I’ve accidentally picked up parsley when going for cilantro more than once, and grocery delivery shoppers have grabbed an iceberg lettuce when I wanted a green cabbage.

But those examples are nothing compared to confusing chives and green onions, which on top of looking rather similar seem to serve the same purpose in many dishes.

The root (so to speak) of differentiating between these two flavorful vegetables is to know exactly what each is, and the purpose each ultimately serves. Read on, to find out how to use each your cooking.

What Is A Green Onion?

Green onions are often also called scallions, and are seen in countless dishes. Here is what they look and taste like.

Appearance

“[Green onions] are vegetables with long, thin green stalks and small white bulbs,” said Chris Valdes, a Miami-based celebrity chef and caterer.  They are similar but younger than spring onions, which have larger white bulbs. The stems of green onions are also hollow, with a slight crunch when fresh.

Taste

Scallions are best known for having a mild onion flavor. They can be used cooked or raw, and while the vegetable is often used as a garnish in a weeknight stir fry, you’ll also see it used in salads, soups, and frittatas.

What Is A Chive?

Chives are perhaps a little bit less of a daily household staple than green onions, but they have so many popular uses, from mashed potatoes to potato chips or dips. Chives, although also part of the onion (or allium) family, are categorized as an herb rather than vegetable in cooking.

Appearance

“[Chives] have long, thin green stems that resemble grass,” said Valdez. If you have ever grown chives (they make a great windowsill herb box addition) then you’ll know that they also produce purple flowers. These flowers are not only gorgeous but also edible, although they are often sold separately unless you’re sourcing chives from a farmers’ market.

Taste

Chives have an even more subtle onion taste than green onions. They are most frequently used raw as a finishing garnish, as they wilt quite quickly when cooked. You’ll see them used in salads, sauces, or soups, and are frequently paired with potatoes and eggs.

What Is A Garlic Chive?

The plot thickens, because there’s also garlic chives to consider. Garlic chives, also known as Chinese chives, are a variety of chives with a garlicky rather than subtle onion flavor.

“They have flat, wide leaves and are commonly used in Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese dishes,” said Valdez. Garlic chives can be used fresh or cooked and are often added to stir-fries, dumplings, soups, and other savory dishes that benefit from that infusion of garlic flavor.

Differences Between Chives And Green Onions

Chives and green onions may look similar but they are different. Here are some key differences between the two types of onions.

• Taste. “[The] flavor of a chive is a milder, more delicate onion flavor compared to green onions, which have a stronger, more pronounced onion taste,” said Valdez.
• Appearance. Chives and green onions are similar in appearance, both having long, green stems, but they also have some differences. “The stems of chives are typically thinner and more delicate, resembling grass, while green onion stems are thicker and more robust,” said Valdez. “Green onions have small white bulbs at the base, while chives usually have small, underdeveloped bulbs or no bulbs at all.”
• Usage. The biggest difference between chives and green onions is how we use them in cooking. “Chives are something I often use as a garnish or in raw dishes for a subtle onion flavor, while green onions can be used both raw and cooked and are more commonly used as a vegetable in cooking,” said Valdez.

How To Use Chives And Green Onions Interchangeably

While chives and green onions have different appearances and flavor profiles, you can use one in place of the other in cooking, if necessary. “You can use chives as a substitute for green onions and vice versa in many dishes, but there will be some differences in flavor and texture,” said Valdez. 

Be prepared to have to make some other flavor modifications to make up for the differences between chives and green onions. “Since chives have a milder flavor and thinner stems compared to green onions, they may not provide as much onion flavor or substance in dishes where green onions are called for,” said Valdez.

However, in recipes where the onion flavor is meant to be subtle, such as in salads, dressings, or garnishes, chives can work well as a substitute. Similarly, green onions can be used as a substitute for chives in dishes where a stronger onion flavor is desired. “It’s always a good idea to adjust the quantities to taste when substituting one for the other,” said Valdez.

Common Uses For Green Onions And Chives

Green onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes such as stir-fries, rice dishes, omelets, guacamole, and as a topping like on a hot baked potato.

Chives are also versatile and can be used as a topping for soups right before serving, in potato salad, or stirred into a compound butter. 

Proper Storage Tips

As chives and green onions are different, the way they are stored will differ as well. Here’s what Valdez advises:

How To Store Chives

1. Trim off any wilted or yellowed parts of the chives.
2. Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and store in a resealable plastic bag.
3. Keep them in the refrigerator crisper drawer.

How To Store Green Onions

1. Store them upright in a glass or jar with about an inch of water at the bottom.
2. Cover them loosely with a plastic bag and place on a shelf in the refrigerator.