Chicory

Name: Chicory (Cichorium intybus) — a family of bitter leafy plants with blue flowers. The name covers radicchio, Belgian endive (witloof) and sugarloaf chicory, plus the root used as a coffee substitute. Radicchio and endive have their own pages.

Description

Chicory is native to Europe and was eaten by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans as a salad herb and medicine. Its leaves are noticeably bitter, due to compounds called sesquiterpene lactones, and the roots contain a lot of inulin, a prebiotic fibre.

Roasted chicory root has long been used as a coffee substitute or extender, especially in France, Louisiana and during wartime shortages. Belgian endive was discovered by accident in Brussels in the 19th century, when chicory roots stored in the dark sprouted pale, tender leaf buds.

Main nutrition value

Chicory leaves provide vitamin K, folate, vitamin A and potassium, and the roots are a rich source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre.

How best to be consumed

Chicory is bitter, so it is balanced with sweet, fatty or acidic partners.

1. Mix chicory leaves with sweet fruit, nuts and a creamy or tangy dressing to balance the bitterness.
2. Grill, roast or braise to mellow the flavour.
3. Use blanched, shaved leaves in salads and as edible scoops.
4. Roast and grind the root for a caffeine-free coffee alternative.
5. Soak in cold water for a few minutes to reduce bitterness.

Overconsumption could cause…

Chicory is safe in food amounts.

1. Possible effects on warfarin and similar blood-thinning medicines because of the high vitamin K content, so keep intake steady rather than avoiding them.
2. Gas, bloating and loose stools from inulin, particularly in large amounts or in people with IBS.
3. Allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or other daisy-family plants.
4. Possible gallbladder effects in large medicinal doses.

GroupsLeafy Green VegetablesDaisy family (Asteraceae)Low fatLow sodiumRich in folateRich in vitamin ARich in vitamin CRich in vitamin KFresh

Related foodsShungiku / Chrysanthemum GreensRadicchioOak Leaf LettuceIceberg LettuceLettuceCos Lettuce

Wikipedia — Common chicory, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_chicory