What is Chicory?

04 Sep 2018

Journalist

Have you ever cooked with chicory? Are you wondering what it is good for? And how to use it? Fine Dining Lovers fills you in what to do with this highly nutritious vegetable that is wildly underrated.

What is chicory?

Chicory is a root vegetable with bitter leaves. It is a member of the dandelion family and displays a beautiful blue daisy when in bloom.

In some places, such as France and Belgium, chicory is known as endive, although they belong to two different branches of the Chicorium genum, according to Berkeley Wellness.

Endive is a popular salad vegetable normally paired with strong cheeses that balance its pleasant bitterness.

Benefits of chicory and chicory root

Chicory root is rich in a soluble fiber called inulin, which serves as a prebiotic to our gut bacteria. This type of fiber also makes us feel full longer.

Chicory root fiber is often added to sugar-free sweeteners such as monk fruit because it doesn't spike glucose. Thus, making it an ally for diabetics.

Aside from this, chicory is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as a host of minerals including iron, magnesium, and calcium.

Chicory Coffee

Surprisingly, chicory root makes for an excellent cup of coffee that is naturally 100% caffeine free. The dried, roasted, crushed roots may be used alone or partially blended with coffee to produce a dark-brown brew.

Chicory coffee is popular in New Orleans and was a food inherited from the French settlers. Here is a neat recipe for chicory coffee you can try:

How To Buy Chicory

If you are interested in chicory as a supplement, look for chicory root fiber and chicory root extract at your local health food store or trusted online merchant. Opt for organic when possible.