Other Names: endive, radicchio, Belgian endive, French endive, witloof
Chicory is the common name given to the flowering plants in genus Cichorium of the family Asteraceae. There are
two cultivated species, and four to six wild species.
Common chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a bushy perennial herb with blue or lavender flowers. Originating from
Europe, it was naturalized in North America, where it has become a roadside weed. The roots are baked, ground,
and used as a coffee substitute and additive in the plant's Mediterranean region of origin, although its use as
a coffee additive is still very popular in the American South, particularly in New Orleans. Common chicory is
also known as blue sailors, succory, and coffeeweed. The plant is cultivated and used as endive under the common
names radicchio, Belgian endive, French endive, or witloof. It is grown in complete darkness to keep new leaves
tender and pale.
True endive (Cichorium endivia) is a species of chicory which is specially grown and used as a salad green. It
has a slightly bitter taste and has been attributed with herbal properties. Curly endive and the broad-leafed
escarole are true endives.
Root chicory (Chicorium intybus var. sativum) has been in cultivation in Europe as a coffee substitute for a
long time. Around 1970 it was found that the root contains up to 20% inulin. Since then, new strains have been
created, giving root chicory an inulin content comparable to that of sugar beet (around 600 dt/ha). Inulin is
mainly present in the plant family Asteraceae as a storage carbohydrate (for example Jerusalem artichoke, dahlia,
etc.). It is used as a sweetener in the food industry (with a sweetening power 30% higher than that of sucrose).
Inulin can be converted to fructose and glucose through hydrolysis.
Chicory, with sugar beet and rye was used as an ingredient of the East German Mischkaffee (mixed coffee), introduced
during the 'coffee crisis' of 1976-9
Cichorium Endiva root has been used ethnomedically to treat dyspepsia, loss of appetite, liver and gallbladder
problems, and intestinal worms, Type II Diabetes, and as a laxative for children.
Chicory, especially the flower, was used as a herbal treatment in Germany, and is recorded in many books as an
ancient German treatment for everyday ailments.
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