benefits. Early American settlers used them to ward off coughs and colds, and in Chinese medicine they are routinely used as a treatment for angina among other ailments.

Although the shallot may be confused with the onion in terms of taste, and sometimes appearance (though many shallots are more elongated than their onion cousins), the fact that they grow in segments or 'cloves' also gives them a familiarity with the garlic, although it is common for shallots to develop just two or three segments compared with five, six or more for the garlic. Shallots are credited with the same health benefits as the onion, but many believe the shallot is even better at preventing cancers and helps to cleanse the blood of impurities and act, like garlic, as an antiviral agent.

The leek is the perfect vegetable for soups and for mashing with potatoes. Related to the onion it is generally much larger, and retains its stem without producing a large bulb. It gives a much milder taste when cooked which is often palatable to people who are not keen on the stronger flavour of onions.

As with all the allium vegetables, leeks are rich in substances which help reduce the risk of cancer. In the case of leeks, they are high in kaempferol. A study undertaken between the years 1984 and 2002 concluded that women with the highest intake of kaempferol were at the lowest risk of ovarian cancer. Other foods rich in kaempferol include blueberries, broccoli and spinach.

Finally, the chive, smallest of the allium family is a herb, remaining green but developing a large and attractive lavender coloured flower at maturity in May and June. The chive should be picked before it flowers. It is a very hardy plant and cut leaves will grow again very quickly indeed. Chopped into small pieces the chive is a delicious accompaniment to various salads, stews and other dishes, imparting a very mild 'onion' type of flavour. A peculiar advantage to the chive is that if you plant it next to your roses in the garden you will be helping the roses, as the chive emits a scent which deters aphids which would otherwise feast on your rose plants.

The chive can grow in cold climates and is therefore quite prolific throughout Europe as well as the cooler parts of North America. It is particularly abundant around the Great Lakes region.

Learn more about this author, Colin Morley.
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