SafePlants

Chicory: A Versatile Plant

Chicory is a versatile plant with a range of uses, from salad ingredient to coffee substitute. It's appreciated for its distinctive flavor and adaptability in various culinary applications.

Common Names

• Chicory
• Red Chicory
• Red Endive
• Belgian Endive
• Witlof

Considerations for Pets

• Chicory contains inulin, a form of dietary fiber, which is not digested by a dog or cat's digestive system.

Considerations for Humans

• Chicory has a bitter and spicy taste, which may not be appealing to everyone.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Chicory can be found in both red and white varieties.
• It often presents as a white bulb with tightly packed, elongated cones.
• The leaves are typically white with pale yellow tips, or red with white veins.
• The "forced" crop, often called endive or Belgian endive, is grown in complete darkness, resulting in blanched white, yellow-tipped leaves and a distinctive, cigar-like shape, about 12cm long.
• Chicory is described as a woody, herbaceous plant with a stunning blue flower head.

Distribution and Habitat

• The blue-flowering chicory is found growing beside roads and paths.

Uses and Applications

• Chicory leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked.
• It's used as a coffee substitute, particularly in New Orleans Coffee recipes.
• The plant is cultivated for its edible leaves and roots, and also as an ornamental.

Quirky Facts

• "Chicory people are full of love and care for their families and friends. But they expect to receive love and attention in return, with interest, and feel slighted and..." (Though potentially metaphorical, this offers an interesting cultural association with the plant.)
• The forcing types like ‘Witloof’ are grown for their roots.

Ecological Role

• Chicory is also used as a forage crop for beef cattle.

Additional Resources

• RHS advice on growing and harvesting chicory
• AllAboutDogFood.co.uk