Have you seen the bright blue flowers of the common chicory plant while walking? This tough, versatile plant has been used for centuries. It's not just a pretty face in your garden, but also a tasty and healthy addition to your meals. Learn how to use this amazing plant in your garden and kitchen.
What is Common Chicory?
Common chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a plant that started in Central Europe. It has grown worldwide because it can adapt and be used in many ways.
This plant is a biennial that belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. You can spot it by its beautiful light purple or lavender flowers. These flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. Chicory has a tough stem and leaves that can get up to 32 cm long.
Common chicory is also related to radicchio, winter chicory, and Belgian endive. These tasty greens come from the wild common chicory plant. This shows how versatile this plant is.
| Chicory Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Radicchio | Compact heads with red or red-green leaves |
| Winter Chicory | Mild in flavor, grown in darkness |
| Belgian Endive | Mild in flavor, grown in darkness |
| Root Chicory | Processed into a coffee substitute, used for plastic production |
Common chicory is interesting for its origins, unique traits, and the many varieties it has inspired. It's a fascinating and versatile plant in the plant kingdom.
Growing Common Chicory
Growing growing chicory in your garden is rewarding. This hardy herb does well in many soils, making it great for all gardeners. It's perfect for those who want to use it in cooking or for its beauty. Knowing how to plant and care for chicory ensures a good harvest.
Common chicory is easy to grow. It likes soil that drains well and is rich in minerals. It can even grow in poor soil and shady spots.
- Sow chicory seeds outside after the last frost, 2 seeds 40 cm apart.
- Start seeds indoors and move them outside after the last frost for an early harvest.
- Chicory care is easy, but use an organic liquid fertilizer every 6 weeks if in pots.
- Aphids might bother growing chicory, so watch out for them.
By knowing what common chicory needs, gardeners can easily add it to their gardens. They'll enjoy its many uses in cooking and its beauty.
| Chicory Cultivation Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Plant Height | 3 to 5 feet |
| Flower Color | Light Purple |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 to 9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Sap | White, Milky |
| Soil Tolerance | Poor, Compacted |
| Common Pests | Slugs, Snails, Rabbits, Downy Mildew, Anthracnose |
| Watering Needs | 2-4 times/week for 1st month, 1-2 inches/week after |
| Spacing | 12 to 18 inches |
| Seed Starting | 5-6 weeks before last frost |
| Optimal Temperature | 45 to 75°F |
| Cultivation Methods | Forced and Non-forced |
| Harvest Height | 12 to 18 inches |
Common Chicory in the Kitchen
Chicory is more than just its bright blue-purple flowers. It's a versatile plant with edible leaves, flowers, and roots. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked to lessen their bitterness.
In Italian and southern Indian cuisine, chicory leaves are a staple. They're often steamed or marinated in olive oil. The chicory flowers can also be used in salads, but they're quite bitter.
For those who want a coffee substitute, chicory root is a great choice. It can be roasted and ground into a drink that tastes like coffee but is caffeine-free.
| Chicory Variety | Characteristics | Culinary Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian Endive | Extremely pale yellow, forced to grow in the dark | Wrapped in ham and baked with béchamel, used in artichoke hearts-style preparations |
| Curly Endive (Frisée) | More delicate in flavor and texture, ideal for salads | Sautéed quickly and drizzled with strong vinegar |
| Escarole | Crunchy, green, and bitter | Enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in soups and braises |
| Radicchio | Offers natural sweetness beneath its bitterness | Sliced and added to salads, grilled and paired with olives, blue cheese, apples, and walnuts |
Chicory and its greens, like frisée and curly endive, are versatile in the kitchen. They can be used in salads, soups, roasted dishes, and even as coffee substitutes. These plants add unique flavors and textures to any meal.
Harvesting and Using Chicory Roots
Chicory is more than just its blue flowers. Its roots are gaining attention for their health and culinary benefits. Harvesting chicory roots in the fall is ideal, as they mature fully during this season.
Harvesting chicory roots requires care, as they grow deep into hard soil. Loosening the soil around the plant helps increase the yield. The roots are large and fleshy, making them a bit tough to extract.
After harvesting, clean the roots well to remove all soil or debris. Roast them at 170°F for about 7 hours. This process dries the roots and enhances their flavor, which tastes like nuts or cocoa.
Once roasted, grind the chicory roots into a fine powder, similar to coffee grounds. This powder can be used to make a coffee-like drink without caffeine. It's a great option for those who want a tasty, low-caffeine beverage.
Chicory roots are also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Adding roasted chicory root to your diet can help with digestion, weight management, and blood sugar control.
| Nutritional Value of Chicory Roots | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 73 |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2mg |
| Magnesium | 29mg |
| Potassium | 320mg |
Conclusion
Common chicory is a versatile and underappreciated plant. It's great for both the garden and kitchen. Its beautiful flowers, nutritious leaves, and flavorful roots add value to any landscape or meal.
It's easy to grow and thrives in poor soil. Chicory can be used in many ways, like adding color and texture to salads or as a caffeine-free coffee substitute.
Adding common chicory to your garden and kitchen lets you enjoy its unique traits and health benefits. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and can help manage diabetes. This makes it a great addition to any home garden or kitchen.
Looking to brighten your salads or try a new coffee alternative? Common chicory is a versatile and valuable plant to explore.
Chicory is easy to grow, tolerates drought, and has many uses in cooking and medicine. Learning about its benefits can open up new possibilities in your daily life.
