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Chicory

Cichorium intybus

Asteraceae

Chicory (or succory, or bachelor’s buttons) is a common roadside plant. It can be easily identified when it flowers in midsummer in blue dandelion-like heads. It prefers dry open ground, has long wiry stems, and has leaves at the base similar to dandelion leaves.

The young leaves and shoots are commonly used in salads and as a pot-herb (especially blanched to remove the slight bitterness), and the roots are eaten raw or roasted. Chicory is often used with coffee or as a coffee substitute, along with dandelion and burdock roots. (Gather older roots of these plants, slice, roast and grind.)

Chicory is especially rich in vitamins A and C.

A tea made from the root is said to be good for an upset stomach and kidney and liver complaints. The bruised leaves can be used as a poultice for swelling and inflammation. A syrup made from the root is reportedly a good laxative for children.

Chicory