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chicory
Scientific Name: Cichorium intybus
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial, Perennial
Other Names:
Chicory: A Versatile Herb and Salad Green
Chicory, known for its slightly bitter and spicy taste, is a versatile plant with various culinary uses and other interesting applications.
Considerations for Pets
- Chicory contains inulin, a form of dietary fiber that is not digested by dogs or cats.
Common Names
- Chicory
- Red Chicory
- Red Endive
- Endive
- Radicchio
- Belgian Endive
- Witlof
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- The vegetable Endive or 'Chicory' is sometimes referred to as Cichorium Endivia (which is not the same as Cichorium Intybus, although is of the same genus).
Description
- Chicory can be eaten raw or cooked and comes in red and white varieties.
- It can have a white bulb with tightly packed elongated cones and overlapping white leaves with pale yellow tips.
- Belgian endive has a distinctive, cigar-like shape, about 12cm long, and crisp leaves with a mildly bitter flavor.
- Some varieties have white-veined red leaves.
Culinary Uses
- The bitter and spicy taste mellows when grilled or roasted.
- It can add color and zest to salads.
- It is a classic ingredient in Belgian cooking.
- Raw chicory leaves are excellent eaten fresh, drizzled with dressing.
- Chicory is used in various recipes including tarts and paired with ingredients like walnut, pear, and duck breast.
- It can be used as a vehicle for toppings in canapés.
- The root can be used to make an instant drink.
Other Uses
- Chicory is a caffeine-free herb used as a popular coffee substitute, and is a key ingredient in New Orleans Coffee (or 'chicory coffee').
- It is cultivated for its edible leaves and roots, and also as an ornamental.
- Chicory may have health benefits including the ability to ease digestive problems, prevent heartburn, and reduce arthritis.
- It is used as a forage crop for beef cattle.
Quirky Facts
- Chicory is a forced crop, often grown in complete darkness to produce blanched white, yellow-tipped leaves.
- In ancient times and today, the blue-flowered Chicory grows beside roads and paths.
- Chicory people are full of love and care for their families and friends, but they expect to receive love and attention in return.
Growing Information
- To enjoy chicory at its best, buy it when the leaf tips are yellow.
- Chicory requires very little preparation and has almost no wastage.
- There are forcing types like 'Witloof' grown for their.