First, let's clarify what "first-harvest chives" are. "First" refers to the initial, so "first-harvest chives" are the first batch of chives to grow in the spring. They can be said to tread on frost and snow, greet the spring, endure the winter's ice and cold and the spring's warmth, and emerge amidst people's anticipation for spring.
However, although they symbolize spring and have a beautiful meaning, these first-harvest chives are quite controversial. It's not just a debate among the general public; even experts and scholars have differing opinions on them. Let's discuss this matter.
First-harvest chives are the first batch of chives to grow in the spring.
Are first-harvest chives edible?
Actually, anything can be eaten. The main question is whether it is good or bad for the body. There are two opposing views.
The Opposing View
Friends who are against eating first-harvest chives believe that their pesticide content is too high. Since agriculture entered the modern era, pesticides have become an unavoidable and sensitive topic. If not used, pests would run rampant, agricultural yields would not be sufficient, and how would we supply the 7 billion people? If used, it's inevitable that pesticides will harm the human body. Among them, first-harvest chives are one of the vegetables most heavily contaminated with pesticides, even more so than regular chives. Therefore, first-harvest chives should not be eaten.
In addition, first-harvest chives are very "heaty" or "damp-provoking" in nature, making them unsuitable for consumption by those suffering from tinea.
First-harvest chives are very "heaty" or "damp-provoking" in nature, making them unsuitable for consumption by those suffering from tinea.
The Supporting View
Supporters believe that the harm from pesticide residues is limited. Basically, all ingredients have pesticides. More importantly, first-harvest chives are extremely delicious, and it would be a waste not to eat them. The rural saying that first-harvest chives should not be eaten mainly refers to the issue of chive reproduction; the first harvest is still tender and delicate, and if eaten, it will not grow well later on. Therefore, first-harvest chives are edible.
Conclusion
As for whether first-harvest chives can be eaten, from the analysis above, we can see that the key issue is pesticides. As long as the pesticides are removed, eating first-harvest chives is completely fine.
How to remove pesticides from first-harvest chives?
Pesticides on first-harvest chives are not easy to remove. Since many pesticides are not water-soluble, washing with water cannot achieve the goal of cleaning them. For this, experts recommend using a special vegetable-cleaning solvent for washing.
Dietary Taboos for Chives
Do not eat with baijiu (Chinese liquor).
Chives are warm in nature and can invigorate blood and yang. Baijiu is hot in nature; drinking it can make one's throat feel as if it's on fire. It can also enhance blood circulation and dilate blood vessels. The combination of a warm (chives) and a hot (baijiu), along with the "heaty" nature of chives and the potency of baijiu, is like adding fuel to the fire, which is detrimental to the body.