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PLANT PROFILE LIST
NAME: Chicory
SPECIES / FAMILY: Cichorium Intybus / Asteraceae or Compositae
OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Radicchio, Succory, Witloof
CONDITIONS: sun
to partial shade
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PARTS: |
EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
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All |
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Shoots |
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Leaves |
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bitter |
RAW/COOK |
Spring-Fall |
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Buds/Flowers |
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bitter |
RAW |
Summer |
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Fruits |
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Roots |
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bitter |
COOK |
Fall |
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Seeds |
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Nuts |
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Pods |
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Stalk |
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Bark |
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PORTION: small to medium
COMMENT: Root can be used as a vegetable, like parsnips, or as a coffee substitute or extender, but does not contain any caffeine. Young roots have a slightly bitter caramel flavour when roasted, roots over 2 years old are much more bitter.(1) Leaves used in salads and soups. Boil once or twice to remove bitterness. Flowers can be used in salads, but are bitter.(1)
CAUTION: Excessive and continued use may impair function of the retina. Slight potential for sensitization. (1) Chicory contains latex, to which some people are allergic, from slightly to severely.
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL:
· Roots contain inulin which may improve blood sugar control and aid diabetics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inulin
· https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318593.php
· https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-92/chicory
· Appetizer; Bach; Cardiac; Cholagogue; Depurative; Digestive; Diuretic; Hypoglycaemic; Laxative; Tonic; Warts. (1)
LOOK-A-LIKES: Looks like dandelion without flowers. Chicory has rougher leaves. http://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/09/dandelion.html
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES:
OTHER USES: Biomass; Compost. The roots have the potential to be used for the production of biomass for industrial use. They are rich in the starch 'inulin' which can easily be converted to alcohol. A blue dye has been obtained from the leaves. The flowers are an alternative ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost.(1)
SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):
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https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Cichorium+intybus
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http://www.eattheweeds.com/cichorium-intybus-burned-to-a-crisp-2
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http://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/08/chicory.html (good photos)
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https://www.mediterraneanliving.com/recipe-items/sauteed-chicory-greens-southern-italian-style