Chicory originated in Europe and travelled to North Africa and West Asia over the centuries. In the 1800 chicory made its way to North America. From its travels we can see it is easily grown. Today chicory grows on road sides and in fields.
We consume the leaves and flowers either raw or cooked. The leaves are commonly used in salads.
The root is harvested, cleaned, dried and roasted. The roasted chicory roots are grounded and has a roasted coffee taste. Chicory is uses as a substitute for coffee. In fact chicory helps with coffee addiction.
While chicory has a pleasant taste it has a whole host of health benefits as well. In addition with caffeine addiction, it supports liver and digestive functions. It helps to increase lactation in breast feeding women (Pregnant and nursing women should consult their health care provider before consuming chicory). It helps decrease heart palpitation and is a natural laxative. Chicory is also know to detox the body especially in the killing and elimination of parasites in the stomach.
Thousands of years ago this plant has been used by the Romans to clean the blood. It has been used in Pakistan as a liver cleanse and in egypt is is also used to cleans the body and promote digestive and liver health.
The leaves of the chicory plants are used to make a poultice that helps with swelling and inflammation on the skin. The leaves and flowers are believed to increase the functioning of the liver and the kidneys.
Dried roasted chicory root.
Chicory is very easily to grow and is found in fields and at the sides of the road. It is tempting to up root some chicory. That might not be such a good idea because they might be packed with pesticides. Chicory is sold in health food stores. You can buy the roasted roots and roast yourself or buy the grounded chicory.
Store ground chicory similar to the way coffee is stored, in a dark dry cool place.
Health Benefits of Chicory Root is an antioxidant, it has vitamin C, it support healthy liver function and help prevent jaundice, it is a sedative and it prevent inflammation, prevent gall stones, prevent liver stones, contains soluble fibers, aids digestion, eliminate parasites, helps decrease LDS cholesterol in the blood and helps the body digest food and liquids better and works as a natural laxative. Chicory leaves can be used as effective bandages for cuts and bruises.
Chicory can be used an some very creative recipes from drinks, to appetizers, to meals and deserts!
Chicory and coffee mix in the market