Love Your Leaves - Chicory
There are quite a few different versions of chicory and even more different names! Looking a bit like a pail long lettuce, and called endive in America, chicory is a leafy plant with a slightly bitter taste. There is also the red version which is known as radicchio. You can find out more about the different varieties on Jamie Oliver's website.
As with other salad leaves, it is a great source of Vitamin A which helps keep eyes healthy, and Vitamin C which helps fight infections, as well as Vitamin K. It also contains lots of folates and calcium and potassium. It also contains inulin which can help to balance blood sugars. It is also thought that chicory is good for the digestive system and for improving circulation. Some nutritionists also claim chicory can help in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.
As well as using them in salad, they can also be used as an alternative to nachos or breadsticks with dips.
- A fresh ad sweet chicory salad with orange and apple, cheese and nuts http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jan/02/angela-hartnett-feta-chicory-salad-recipe
- A very simple chicory salad with Dijon mustard dressing - http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/recipes/chicory-salad-with-mustard-dressing-667655.html
- An elegant salad of chicken, chicory and pecan nuts with pink apples - http://www.redonline.co.uk/food/recipes/chicken-salad-with-chicory-and-apple
- A simple salad pairing chicory with feta cheese - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/75607/chicory-pomegranate-and-feta-salad
- This recipe is lifted by the poppy seed and mustard dressing - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1805637/lettuce-chicory-and-apple-salad-with-poppy-seed-dr