Chicory

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Chicory

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the dandelion family Asteraceae, usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink. It is native to Europe and has been naturalized in many parts of the world.

Pronunciation

Chicory is pronounced as /ˈCHik(ə)rē/

Etymology

The term "chicory" is derived from the Latin word cichorium, which was used to describe a plant with blue flowers. This Latin term was borrowed from the Ancient Greek kikhorion or kikhorion, which was a name for a type of endive.

Description

Chicory is a bushy plant with small, blue, lavender, or occasionally white flowers. The plant's roots are long, thick, and deep, and it has a milky juice that becomes more pronounced as the plant matures. The leaves are alternate, toothed, and nearly hairless.

Uses

Chicory has various uses, both culinary and medicinal. The roots of the plant are often ground and used as a coffee substitute or additive, especially in New Orleans-style coffee. The leaves are used in salads and as a cooked green in many cultures. Medicinally, chicory has been used to treat digestive disorders, liver disorders, and gallbladder disease.

Related Terms

  • Endive: A type of chicory that is often used in salads.
  • Inulin: A type of carbohydrate found in chicory that is used as a food additive and prebiotic.
  • Coffee substitute: Chicory root is often used as a coffee substitute due to its similar flavor profile.

External links

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