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If you’re like most people, you think of weeds as pesky plants that need to be eradicated from your yard. However, did you know that some weeds can actually be beneficial to your health? One such weed is chicory.
Chicory is a common weed that can be found in many backyards across the country. It has a number of beneficial properties, including medicinal and edible properties. Keep reading to learn more about this surprising weed!
Chicory Weed description
The chicory weed is a common plant that can be found in many yards and gardens. It has dark green leaves and small purple flowers. The weed gets its name from the fact that it is often used to make a type of coffee.
Chicory coffee is made by roasting the roots of the plant and then grinding them up.The resulting coffee has a bitter taste, but many people enjoy it. Keep reading to see how to make chicory coffee below.
The chicory weed is also known for its ability to help prevent soil erosion. This is because the plant's roots are very strong and help to hold the soil in place. As a result, chicory can be a valuable asset in any garden or yard.
Chicory is sometimes grown as a decorative plant, but it is also considered to be a weed in many parts of the world.
Where Chicory is commonly found
Chicory is a hardy plant that can be found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Chicory is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America.
Benefits of Chicory
While many people consider chicory weed to be a nuisance, this hardy plant actually has a number of benefits.
For one, chicory is very tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions. It also has deep roots that help to break up compacted soil and improve drainage.
In addition, chicory is rich in nectar and provides an important food source for bees and other pollinators.
The flowers of the plant are also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. So, next time you see a chicory weed, take a moment to appreciate its many benefits.
Medicinal properties of Chicory
It's well known that chicory root can be used as a coffee substitute, but did you know that it also has a long history of medicinal use?
Chicory has been used to treat digestive problems, skin conditions, and even cancer. The roots and leaves of the plant are typically dried and ground into a powder, which can then be taken in capsule form or brewed into a tea.
Some of the most well-known benefits of chicory include its ability to improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss.
However, further research is needed to confirm these claims. Nevertheless, there's no doubt that chicory is a unique and versatile plant with a long history of medicinal use.
Edible properties of Chicory
Chicory is a type of leafy green vegetable that belongs to the daisy family. It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used in salads or as a garnish. The entire plant is edible, including the leaves, flowers, and roots.
The most popular way to eat chicory is to add the leaves to a salad. The flowers can also be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used as a decoration on top of salads or other dishes.
The roots can be eaten raw, roasted, or used to make coffee. Chicory coffee is made by boiling the roots in water and then filtering out the solids. Chicory coffee has a slightly bitter taste and is caffeine-free.
When foraging for chicory, look for fresh, crisp leaves with no signs of wilting. The flowers should be brightly colored and unopened. The roots should be pale brown and firm.
Chicory can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To prepare chicory, wash the leaves in cold water and then dry them with a towel. Remove any tough stems before adding the leaves to a salad or cooking them.
How to cook or roast Chicory - Instructions
To cook the flowers, blanch them in boiling water for two minutes before adding them to your dish.
To roast the roots, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then roast the roots for 20 minutes. allow them to cool before grinding them into a powder or brewing them into a tea.
Recommended Chicory Seeds:
These are sold by Seed Needs, they are Non-GMO based seed products and are intended for the current & the following growing season. All seeds are produced from open pollinated plants, stored in a temperature-controlled facility and constantly moved out due to popularity.
If you’re looking for a weed to add to your garden, chickweed is a great option. It’s easy to identify and has many benefits, including being edible. Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more articles like this, as well as videos, trends, and free resources.
