The species Cichorium intybus is known as common chicory.
Chicory y chicory son los nombres que recibe una plant cuyas hojas son comestibles y que también se emplea para la elaboración de infusions. El término procede del vocablo latino cichorium, a su vez derivado del griego kichóreia.
It is important to mention that the term chicory is used to refer to different vegetables . Typically, the notion is used to refer specifically to the common chicory , scientific name Cichorium intybus .
Characteristics of chicory
Chicory is part of the family group of compound plants since it has simple leaves and flowers that develop in the same receptacle. It grows wild in many regions and is also cultivated.
Native to Asia and the Mediterranean area, chicory was already used by several ancient peoples thanks to its components and properties. It presents vitamins A, B and C and has minerals such as phosphorus, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Chicory is considered to contribute to digestion and has diuretic and purifying effects. On the other hand, it is characterized by providing few calories.
How to consume
Chicory leaves can be consumed raw or cooked . They are usually used raw in salads , since their somewhat crunchy texture is usually appreciated. If it is cooked, the stems of the plant are often also used.
A peculiarity of chicory is its bitter taste , linked to the presence of a substance called intibin . As time went by, it was discovered that winter sprouts have a milder flavor as they show a lower concentration of intibin.
In addition to being eaten in salads, chicory can be used to prepare sauces , fillings and stews. In Liguria ( Italy ), meanwhile, it is common for it to be included in the herbal mixture known as prebugiún or preboggion .
An infusion similar to coffee is prepared with the chicory root.
Chicory infusion
An infusion similar to coffee is prepared with chicory. What is done in this case is to dry, toast and grind its root.
This drink, sometimes referred to as chicory coffee , became popular during the time of the Spanish Civil War and in the postwar period. Given the difficulty in obtaining coffee beans, the roots of this plant began to be used.
An advantage of the infusion is that it lacks caffeine , which does not affect the generation of anxiety symptoms or loss of sleep. It also helps maintain the intestinal flora.
Varieties and similar plants
As we already indicated above, different species are usually called chicory. Some are a variety of the common chicory, but others are different plants.
To Cichorium intybus var. Foliosum is referred to as red chicory or radicchio . It is easily recognizable by its purple buds. The Cichorium escarola , for its part, is mentioned as escarole or endive .
We cannot fail to mention the bitter chicory , scientific name Taraxacum officinale . Its link with common chicory is distant, although it is often used as a replacement , both in salads and for the preparation of infusions .