Chicory Cichorium intybus

Detailed Listing For

Botanical Name:

Cichorium intybus

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Cichorium

Species:

intybus

Common Name:

Chicory

Seeds Per Pound:

324,285

Quantity:

3.46 lb

Germination:

90%

Germination Test Type:

Actual

Purity:

99%

Height:

2-3 feet

Collection Locale:

Oregon

Crop Year:

2023

Minimum Hardiness Zone:

In Stock: 3.46 lb

Prices

Cichorium intybus

Calculate

Characteristics

Deer Attracting Plant

Growing Info, follow in order:

Scarification: none required.

Stratification: none required.

Germination: surface sow and keep moist, requires light for germination.

In a Nutshell:

* The leaves are edible but rather bitter, especially when the plants are flowering. The leaves are often blanched by excluding light, either by removing all the leaves and then earthing up the new growth, or by covering the plant with a bucket or something similar. Whilst this greatly reduces any bitterness, there is also a corresponding loss of vitamins and minerals. The blanched leaves are often used in winter salads (they are known as chicons) and are also cooked. The unblanched leaves are much less bitter in winter and make an excellent addition to salads at this time of year.

* The root can be cooked like parsnip. The boiled young roots form a very palatable vegetable. The root is said to be an ideal food for diabetics because of its inulin content. Inulin is a starch that cannot be digested by humans, it tends to pass straight through the digestive system and is therefore unlikely to be of use to a diabetic. However, the inulin can be used to make a sweetener that is suitable for diabetics to use. Chicory-root is free of harmful ingredients, and is essentially a concentrated combination of three sugars (pentose, levulose and dextrose) along with taraxarcine (the bitter principle of dandelion). It is especially important as source of levulose. Roots are used in seasoning soups, sauces and gravies, and to impart a rich deep colour.

* The roasted root is used as a caffeine-free coffee adulterant or substitute. Young roots have a slightly bitter caramel flavour when roasted, roots over 2 years old are much more bitter. more...

* When flowering, chicory has a tough, grooved, and more or less hairy stem, from 30 to 100 centimetres (10 to 40 in) tall.The leaves are stalked, lanceolate and unlobed.The flower heads are 2 to 4 centimetres (0.79 to 1.6 in) wide, and bright blue. more...

Usda description:

Medicinal Comments:

Chicory leaves are very bitter, making it a good digestive stimulant and tonic, and a gentle laxative even for children. Flowers can be added to the leaves to make a tea that aids digestion. Medicinally this plant is used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, and rapid heartbeat. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Best Sellers

Chicory Cichorium intybus

Cichorium intybus

Asteraceae

Cichorium

intybus

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

Medicinal

Heat Tolerant

Edible

Urban Tolerant Plant

Herbaceous Plant

Perennial Plant

Wild Flower

Culinary Herb or Spice

BioFuel

Deer Attracting Plant