A Black Isle herb nursery has developed its own attractive and tasty variety of chivesChives grow wild in the mountains of Europe as far west as Ireland. Now they are being cultivated. Poyntzfield Herb Nursery on the Black Isle has produced its own variety, Black Isle Blush. It grows more profusely than the wild variety and its flowers are light mauve with a deep pink centre (the blush). These blooms are ornamental as well as edible.

The hollow, slender leaves have a subtle, oniony tang in spring and grow quickly. Now ready for cutting, they are best snipped with scissors into salads, potatoes, omelettes and cheese dishes at the last minute. Broken into florets, the flowers are more pungent.

Black Isle Blush was developed by Duncan Ross, who has been growing herbs at Poyntzfield for more than two decades. Workshops for herb growers are held at the nursery each summer. The first event this year is on July 12.

Other chives at Poyntzfield include Chinese garlic chives, which combine the flavours of wild garlic and chives and work well with cream cheeses. They also have giant chives, which have a stronger flavour to match their size.

Poyntzfield Herb Nursery, Black Isle, By Dingwall, Ross & Cromarty, 01381 610 352, www.poyntzfieldherbs.co.uk; Herbs of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland by Duncan Ross is available from the nursery’s website, price £3.50

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