Chicory belongs to the daisy family. A root first develops from the seed, from which a sprout grows in the second phase in the dark. This is 10-20 cm in size, oblong-oval, and firm. It consists of white leaves with pale yellow tips and a hard stalk. There are now breeds with red leaf tips.
Origin
Chicory does not occur in the wild. It descends from the common chicory (chicory) and was accidentally discovered in Belgium in the middle of the 19th century because chicory had sprout from stored chicory roots. It is mainly produced in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, but also in Germany.
Season
Since the roots need cold before they sprout, chicory is an autumn and winter vegetable. It is mainly offered from October to April. By cooling the roots, the shoots can now be stimulated to grow at any time, which means that chicory can be sold all year round.
Taste
Chicory has a slightly bitter taste. Breeding has reduced the content of the bitter substance intybin. Therefore, the wedge-shaped removal of the stalk is usually no longer necessary.
Use
The leaves are either eaten raw in a chicory salad or cooked. They can be steamed or fried and eaten as a side dish or e.g. B. be served wrapped with ham as the main part of the meal.
Storage
Chicory should be stored in the dark in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. It is best to pack it in a paper bag or an opened plastic bag.
Durability
Stored in a cool, dark place, the heads will keep for about a week. Under the influence of light, the leaves turn green very quickly and become bitter.