All About Chives
Your complete guide to chives - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Chives Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for chives in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Frozen Chives (Raw)3-4 months (for best quality), up to 6 months safely
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), significant dulling or fading of color, strong off-odor upon thawing, or an unusually mushy texture after thawing (beyond typical softness for frozen herbs).
How to Check
Visually inspect for a relatively bright green color. While frozen, they should not have extensive white or grey freezer-burned patches. If thawing a small amount for testing, it should still have a mild chive aroma, not a strong or unpleasant one. The texture will be softer than fresh but shouldn't be completely disintegrated.
Storage Tips
Wash and thoroughly pat dry chives before chopping them. You can freeze them loose on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container to prevent clumping. Alternatively, freeze chopped chives in ice cube trays with a small amount of water or oil. Use directly from frozen in cooked dishes; thawed chives will be limp and best suited for cooking rather than fresh garnish.
Fresh Chives (Raw) in Fridge7-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Wilting, yellowing or browning of the stems/tips, sliminess, a strong, pungent, or sour odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for vibrant green color and crisp texture. Touch them to feel for firmness; avoid any that are limp or slimy. Smell for a mild, fresh oniony aroma; an off-putting or overly strong smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
To maximize freshness, wrap unwashed chives in a slightly damp paper towel, then place in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Avoid washing until immediately before use, as excess moisture can accelerate spoilage.
Dried Chives in Pantry6-12 months (for optimal flavor)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant loss of color (fading to dull brown), lack of aroma, clumping due to moisture absorption, presence of mold or pantry pests.
How to Check
Visually check for a reasonably vibrant green color. Crush a small amount between your fingers and smell for a distinct, mild oniony aroma; if the scent is weak or absent, their potency is diminished. Inspect closely for any signs of mold (fuzzy growth) or insect activity.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container (e.g., a spice jar) in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. While still safe to consume past 12 months, the flavor and potency will significantly decrease.