Growing & Harvesting Chicory Root - the Forgotten Dietary Companion
Chicory is a delightful tall plant that is native to Europe and grows happily on roadsides or edges of meadows. It loves growing in disturbed soil and adds a delightful splash of color to any morning walk.
Here in Australia, I grow my Chicory in raised garden beds, and it seems to pop up on its own schedule when it is ready, giving me a good plentiful supply, and the bees seem to love it too! Chicory flowers for a few hours each morning, before the hot Australian sun signals for it to conserve its energy and just bear its big long stalks. Similar to Dandelion it has a long tap root that is used as a medicine. Usually, roots are dug up in early Autumn or spring, however when there is a need for medicine, you simply can’t wait for the seasons to pass, so head on out and find what you need! This post will take you through the health benefits and how to make Chicory Coffee, but if you don’t have time for that keep an eye on my online shop, as it will be added to my ‘Tea’ range soon!
Chicory holds many health benefits and one of those is that it is high in inulin - which is a form of prebiotic fiber composed of indigestible fructose molecules (so if you are on a FODMAPS diet this one should be avoided). Prebiotic fiber is such an important part of our diets because it;
Improves gut health by feeding the good bacteria in our guts and keeping our microbiome healthy; keeping your digestive tract healthy and able to absorb more nutrients
Reduces constipation and improves bowel function
Promotes blood sugar control by assisting the metabolism of carbohydrates and studies have shown a reduction in the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and prevention of early-onset Diabetes
Studies have also shown positive contributions toward weight control through appetite regulation and
Chicory exerts hypotensive effects (meaning it lowers blood pressure)
Chicory is a great source of manganese, Vitamin B6, potassium, Vitamin C, folate, and phosphorus so it really is one to add to your diet for so many reasons!
The Anti-inflammatory effects of Chicory have also been studied and documented as being rich in glycosides, sterols, and polyphenols which exert anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing various mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins. Chicory has long been used as a natural pain reliever and has been documented as giving great relief to those suffering from arthritic conditions.
In addition to this, Chicory is a powerhouse in that it also offers us pro-apoptotic activity - which is a fancy word meaning it influences programmed cell death - this is a great thing and why it has been noted as a potential anti-cancer food.
So the researched and documented effects such as Pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects in addition to appetite control make this easy-to-grow plant a must for your Australian garden - and your diet!
Chicory leaves are great thrown in salads if you want all the health benefits but don’t fancy the taste of the root in a coffee-like drink
So when should I harvest Chicory and how do I make Chicory Coffee?
The Root is best harvested in Early Autumn or Spring when the roots hold 100% of their vital force energy before they send that energy northward into its long stem and flowers. Simply dig up its tap root, and wash the roots outside under a tap or hose to get all that excess dirt and soil off before bringing them in for another wash in the kitchen sink.
This is where I give them a peel with my potato peeler to help get some of the more stubborn soils out.
You should then have nice clean roots ready for chopping
Chop into fine, small pieces that will dry evenly and thoroughly, then use a dehydrator if you wish to dry these for medicines using low heat until they become dry and crispy, or if making roasted Chicory root for coffee, pop them in the oven at 100C for about 3 hours. Some recipes call to dry at 100C for an hour and then crank up your oven to 200C for the final roasting hour, but I found a slow long dry/cook did the job for me.
In addition to having Roasted Chicory root - your house will now be full of a roasted nutty flavoured smell, that you will either love or hate ;)
Should I Drink Chicory Coffee?
It far outweighs the health benefits of what they tell you is in the other “coffee” and I have many thoughts on why that coffee is damaging your health not adding to it, but that’s another post for another time!
Chicory can be added in these roasted chunks (above) to your tea/coffee or you can grind it in your coffee grinder and pop it in your French press like a ‘real’ coffee to enjoy on its own. It has an unusual nutty, caramelized flavor and it starts your day with so many health benefits!
Avoid Chicory Coffee if you;
Are allergic to ragweed and pollen. This plant is part of the Dandelion family and can trigger allergic responses in those who have allergies to the Asteraceae plant family.
Pregnant women and lactating women should avoid it, and so too should small children, unless under medical supervision.
If you’re looking at drinking multiple cups a day to replace a caffeine addiction just take note that all that extra fibre might make you start tooting from all that extra gas! ;)
If you are interested in trying this beautifully rich and beneficial addition to your day but don’t have time to make it yourself, then keep an eye on my online shop, as I will be adding it to my ‘Herbal Tea Range’ soon! https://www.greenheartherbals.com/shop
Otherwise - I hope you will enjoy adding this beautiful plant to your garden and gain from its many health benefits!
Yours in Health,
Alyson
