Cichorium intybus

herb and roots have been used in substitute medicine for century , and chicory is no exclusion .

What is this mystical plant life , and does it really sport logical health benefit ?

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A close up horizontal image of dark green freshly harvested chicory leaves set on a wooden surface.

Here ’s what ’s to come in this article :

What You’ll Learn

What Is Chicory?

C. intybusis a repeated flora touch tothe dandelionthat blooms with beautiful gamey flowers .

The leave and source are both comestible , but traditionally the root is more commonly found in culinary consumption , to make brewed raging beverages .

Chicory is native to Europe , western Asia , and percentage of North and West Africa , and today it has naturalized in North America .

A vertical image of common chicory growing in the garden with light blue flowers on upright stems with yellow flowers in soft focus in the background. To the center and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

Culinary Uses

C. intybusleaves have a virulent taste , so they are often cooked to make their relish more soft . Wild chicory folio are commonly corrode in Greece and Albania , and they are scrumptious paired with ail or anchovies .

tame leaves of other race related to this plant are unremarkably know asradicchio , Belgian Cichorium endivia , escarole , and sugar loaf .

These are also acid leaves that can be used in salads or cook , standardized to wild leaf . We ’ll plow these in more detail in separate guides .

A vertical image of common chicory growing in the garden with light blue flowers on upright stems with yellow flowers in soft focus in the background. To the center and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

C. intybusroot is often used as a food linear or dietary supplement . The roots are processed to allow manufacturer to press out the inulin they contain , a type of indissoluble dietary fiber .

The root can also be roasted and ground to brew a beverage similar to coffee , or chicory and coffee are sometimes commingle to make a less expensive beverage that is also lower in caffeine .

Health Benefits

One of the principal compounds inC. intybusroot is inulin , as mentioned above , a starch - alike molecule like to fructose ( aka yield pelf ) . Inulin is a low - calorie , soluble dietary character – known as a fructan or fructooligosaccharide – which earn it idealistic for origin and habit as an artificial sweetener .

Inulin is also a prebiotic , intend it helps to feed the helpful bacteria in our guts .

Chicory also take phenolic battery-acid , which are a character of polyphenol . Phenolic compounds admit coumarins , tannins , chlorogenic battery-acid , and caffeic superman , and may have anti - inflammatory and antioxidant prop .

A close up horizontal image of the light blue flowers of Cichorium intybus growing in the garden, pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

C. intybusleaves and roots curb compounds that could potentially extenuate or foreclose sure type of chronic illness .

Another benefit ofC. intybusroot is its power to soothe stomach upset . Some studies have shownthat the root can help with constipation , bloat , diarrhea , or gall bladder disorders . These claim need to be inquire further .

Many studies have been conducted to examine its issue ondigestion in ruminants .

A close up horizontal image of a small blue flower and leaves of Cichorium intybus growing in the garden on a soft focus background.

The leaves of the plant allow their own host of nutritional welfare . They are high-pitched in vitamins A and K , and low in gram calorie . The leaves are also a right source of vitamin C.

If you are interested in afford chicory root a go , fit out these seeds from Eden Brothersto grow your own !

Chicory Seeds

A close up horizontal image of freshly harvested Cichorium intybus root with a few small stems still attached set on a white surface.

The beautiful blue flowers will make a great accession to the garden that the pollinators will love as well .

Learn to get chicory in this guideand findtips on harvesting the roots and leave-taking here .

Choose Chicory

C. intybusroot ( and its leaves ! ) do offer some wellness welfare . Before add too much to your dieting , consult with your doctor to be sure that it wo n’t interfere with any medical conditions you may have or medications you may be take .

And if you ’re concerned in instruct plants , check out these clause next :

© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more detail . in the first place published on August 23rd , 2020 . Last updated June 28th , 2023 . Product photo via Eden Brothers . Uncredited pic : Shutterstock . With extra writing and editing by Allison Sidhu .

A horizontal image of a small plate of dried Cichorium intybus root surrounded by freshly cut stems and flowers on a rustic wooden surface.

The contents of this article have been retrospect and verify by a registered dietitian for informational purposes only . This clause should not be construed as personalised or professional medical advice . Gardener ’s Path and Ask the expert , LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above . Always consult with a medical professional before change your dieting , or using accessory or construct or natural medications .

About

Tori Vallana , RD , LDN

A close up square image of common chicory growing in the garden with light blue flowers on upright stems, fading to soft focus in the background.