It looks inconspicuous and has a slightly bitter taste. However, it is easily digestible, contains a natural prebiotic (inulin) and perfectly cleanses the body. See what is worth knowing about chicory and how to use it in the kitchen.
Chicory is a genus of herbaceous plants from the Asteraceae family, which has been talked about a lot lately. The most common variety is Chicory (Cichorium intybus), recognized by lanceolate leaves and light blue flowers. The leafy head with green edges growing from the root is the edible part of this plant.
Especially in winter, it is low-calorie It is very popular as an addition to salads, sandwiches, hot dishes and even drinks. However, it retains the most health-promoting properties when eaten raw.
Chicory is known for its positive effect on the body. It is a low-calorie vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, zinc, folic acid, vitamin A, B1, B2, E, K and vitamin C. The high content of fiber and inulin means that chicory has a beneficial effect on digestion, liver and intestinal peristalsis. It has the ability to detoxify the liver because its bitter compounds stimulate the secretion of bile, facilitating the digestion of fats.
Chicory supports the immune and cardiovascular systems. It helps lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. This vegetable is recommended for diabetes and weight loss. It’s also worth knowing that chicory coffee is a great, decaffeinated alternative to traditional coffee. It can be used by people suffering from hypertension and pregnant women.
Chicory can be used to make delicious salads – especially when mixed with sour or sweet ingredients. It is a great addition to matching perfectly with cold cuts and cheese. It can be added, for example, to casseroles. Goes well with béchamel and cheese sauces. It also tastes delicious stewed in butter with honey or grilled. This sweet addition soothes its bitterness.
When buying it, it is worth checking whether there are no brown spots and whether its leaves are fresh. In this case, we are dealing with a good quality product. Before using chicory in cooking, rinse it thoroughly in cold water, cut out the bitter stem and remove the outer leaves. Cutting out the hard core at the base and soaking the leaves in cold water is the best way to reduce the bitterness of the vegetable.
