Chicory
(Cichorium intybus)
Chicory is an amazing food plant which all home gardeners should have.
The entire plant is edible. It produces edible leaves, buds and tubers which are really fantastic as the tubers which can be baked, ground and used as a great coffee substitute.
Raw leaves contain vitamin A, B, C, K & E as well as manganese and calcium.
An adaptable small plant to 1m tall, it grows best in dappled sunlight in a well drained
moist soil, with plenty of organic matter.
Can be grown well in pots, tubs or in the garden bed.
Food uses
Apart from a great coffee alternative the roots may be roasted like parsnip and the
leaves may be used in salads tossed with olive oil, lightly fried like spinach, added to
pasta dishes or used as a filling for meat and pastries.
In the Mediterranean the leaves are blanched, then sauteed with garlic and tossed with
anchovies, olive oil and simmered in the local wine. Yummy!
Roasted chicory can also be added to beers, to make fabulous tasting ales and stouts!
Health benefits
The roots of chicory are a rich probiotic which promote digestion and lowering blood
sugar levels when taken in the form of tea or coffee and in indigestion and acid reflux.
Studies indicate chicory can promote relaxation, lower stress levels and reduce heart
and hormonal imbalances. Its sedative properties may help induce sleep and resolve
insomnia.
Furthermore root extracts from chicory aid in toxins removal from kidneys and increase
the body's calcium absorption ability which helps improve bone
density.
What will I receive?
You will receive 50 fresh seeds.
Postage
Yes! We do combine postage on our items!
All our seeds are sent FRESH and securely packaged.
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