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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Cichorium''
| image = Cichorium_pumilum.jpg
| image_caption = Wild endive (''Cichorium pumilum'')
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Asterales]]
| familia = [[Asteraceae]]
| genus = '''''Cichorium'''''
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
*''[[Endive|C. endivia]]'' - cultivated endive
*''[[Cichorium pumilum]]'' - wild endive
*''[[Cichorium intybus]]'' - common chicory
}}
'''Chicory''' is the common name given to the flowering plants in genus ''Cichorium'' of the family [[Asteraceae]]. There are two cultivated species, and four to six wild species.
[[Image:Cichorium intybus-alvesgaspar1.jpg|300px|left|thumb|Flower of ''Chicorium intybus'']]
'''Common chicory''' (''Cichorium intybus'') is a bushy [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]] with blue or lavender [[flower]]s. Originating from [[Europe]], it was naturalized in [[North America]], where it has become a roadside weed. The roots are baked, ground, and used as a [[coffee substitute]] and additive in the plant's [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] region of origin, although its use as a coffee additive is still very popular in the American South, particularly in [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]]. It is a staple in Cajun-style [[red-eye gravy]]. Common chicory is also known as '''blue sailors''', '''succory''', and '''coffeeweed'''. The plant is cultivated and used as [[endive]] under the common names [[radicchio]], '''Belgian endive''', '''French endive''', or '''witloof'''. It is grown in complete darkness to keep new leaves tender and pale.
True '''[[endive]]''' (''Cichorium endivia'') is a species of chicory which is specially grown and used as a [[salad]] [[leaf vegetable|green]]. It has a slightly bitter taste and has been attributed with herbal properties. '''Curly endive''' and the broad-leafed '''[[escarole]]''' are true endives.
''Cichorium'' is used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including [[Setaceous Hebrew Character]] and [[Turnip Moth]].
'''Root chicory''' (''Chicorium intybus'' var. ''sativum'') has been in cultivation in Europe as a [[coffee substitute]] for a long time. Around 1970 it was found that the root contains up to 20% [[inulin]]. Since then, new strains have been created, giving root chicory an inulin content comparable to that of sugar beet (around 600 dt/ha). Inulin is mainly present in the plant family [[Asteraceae]] as a storage carbohydrate (for example [[Jerusalem artichoke]], [[dahlia]], etc.). It is used as a sweetener in the food industry (with a sweetening power 30% higher than that of sucrose). Inulin can be converted to fructose and glucose through [[hydrolysis]].
Chicory, with [[sugar beet]] and [[rye]] was used as an ingredient of the [[East Germany|East German]] ''Mischkaffee'' (mixed coffee), introduced during the '[[History of the German Democratic Republic#Coffee crisis.2C 1976.E2.80.9379|coffee crisis]]' of [[1976]]-[[1979|9]]
Chicory's leaves are still used today in typical Roman recipes: it's common in Roman restaurants to eat dishes with boiled chicory leaves, olive oil and lemon juice (fried with garlic and red pepper). The plant is very common in the Roman countryside and is often picked up by farmers; recently greengrocers introduced a cultivated variety of the plant, which is bigger and has longer leaves.
==Ethnomedical Uses==
* ''C. Endiva'' root has been used [[ethnomedical]]ly to treat [[dyspepsia]], loss of appetite, liver and gallbladder problems, and intestinal worms, [[Type II Diabetes]], and as a [[laxative]] for children.
==History==
[[Image:2005lettuce_and_chicory.PNG|thumb|right|Lettuce and chicory output in 2005]]
The chicory plant is one of the earliest cited in recorded literature. [[Horace]] mentions it in reference to his own diet, which he describes as very simple: "Me pascunt olivae, me cichorea, me [[malva]]e"("As for me, olives, endives, and mallows provide sustenance.")<ref>Horace, ''Odes 31, ver 15'', ca 30 BC</ref>. [[Lo
rd Monboddo]] describes the plant in 1779<ref>Letter from Monboddo to John Hope, 29 April, 1779; reprinted by William Knight 1900 ISBN 1-85506-207-0</ref> as the "chicoree", which the French cultivate as a "pot herb". Today, you can find cicory in typical Roman recipes, generally fried with garlic and red pepper, with its bitter and spicy taste, often together with meat or potatoes.
[[FAO]] reports that in 2005, China and the USA were the top producers of lettuce and chicory.
== Symbolism and popular references ==
The chicory flower is often seen as inspiration for the Romantic concept of the [[Blue Flower]]. It was also believed to be able to open locked doors, according to European [[folklore]].<ref>Howard, Michael. ''Traditional Folk Remedies'' (Century, 1987), p.120.</ref>
Chicory was also mentioned in an episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'', "Lisa the Iconoclast." When Lisa walks into the Springfield Historical Society building, the curator is holding a mug and later says, "I always enjoy talking about Jebediah even when I'm drinking my chicory."
In an episode of ''[[Family Guy]]'', [[Martha Stewart]], while responding to Lois Griffin's compliment of her coffee, states that, "A little chicory perks up the taste of roasted coffee beans; it's a good thing."
In the science fiction TV series [[Stargate SG-1]], when under the influence of an alien presence, the members of SG-1 comment that their coffee tastes oddly good. When [[Jack O'Neill]] suggests [[cinnamon]] as the possible source of the coffee's good taste, [[Daniel Jackson]] comments that it may in fact be chicory.
== Chicory as a herbal treatment==
Chicory, especially the flower, was used as a treatment in Germany, and is recorded in many books as an ancient German treatment for everyday ailments. Howard (1987) mentions is use as, variously, a [[tonic]] and appetite [[stimulant]], and as a treatment for [[gallstone]]s, [[gastro-enteritis]], [[sinus]] problems and cuts and [[bruise]]s.
== References==
<div class="references-small">
<references />
</div>
==See also==
*[[Lettuce]]
*[[Olive]]
*[[Phytonutrient]]
*[[Polyphenol antioxidant]]
<gallery>
Image:Chicory01.jpg|Common chicory (''Cichorium intybus'') with blue flowers
image:Lavender chicory01.jpg|Common chicory<br> with lavender<br> flowers
image:Chicory_flower_001.jpg|''Cichorium intybus'' <br> Photo: Bruce Marlin
</gallery>
==External links==
*[http://www.cirrusimage.com/Flower_chicory.htm Chicory Pollinators] Diagnostic photographs; insect pollinators of Chicory
* [http://coffeetea.about.com/od/coffeesubstitutes/gr/chicory.htm Chicory Coffee - How Does it Taste?]
* [http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=36762 ITIS 36762]
* [http://www.seedsofchange.com/market_growers/field_report_48.asp Chicory, endive, and other gourmet greens]
{{Commons|Cichorium intybus}}
[[Category:Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
[[Category:Spices]]
[[Category:Coffee substitutes]]
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Cichorium''
| image = Cichorium_pumilum.jpg
| image_caption = Wild endive (''Cichorium pumilum'')
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Asterales]]
| familia = [[Asteraceae]]
| genus = '''''Cichorium'''''
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
*''[[Endive|C. endivia]]'' - cultivated endive
*''[[Cichorium pumilum]]'' - wild endive
*''[[Cichorium intybus]]'' - common chicory
}}
'''Chicory''' is the common name given to the flowering plants in genus ''Cichorium'' of the family [[Asteraceae]]. There are two cultivated species, and four to six wild species.
[[Image:Cichorium intybus-alvesgaspar1.jpg|300px|left|thumb|Flower of ''Chicorium intybus'']]
'''Common chicory''' (''Cichorium intybus'') is a bushy [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]] with blue or lavender [[flower]]s. Originating from [[Europe]], it was naturalized in [[North America]], where it has become a roadside weed. The roots are baked, ground, and used as a [[coffee substitute]] and additive in the plant's [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] region of origin, although its use as a coffee additive is still very popular in the American South, particularly in [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]]. It is a staple in Cajun-style [[red-eye gravy]]. Common chicory is also known as '''blue sailors''', '''succory''', and '''coffeeweed'''. The plant is cultivated and used as [[endive]] under the common names [[radicchio]], '''Belgian endive''', '''French endive''', or '''witloof'''. It is grown in complete darkness to keep new leaves tender and pale.
True '''[[endive]]''' (''Cichorium endivia'') is a species of chicory which is specially grown and used as a [[salad]] [[leaf vegetable|green]]. It has a slightly bitter taste and has been attributed with herbal properties. '''Curly endive''' and the broad-leafed '''[[escarole]]''' are true endives.
''Cichorium'' is used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including [[Setaceous Hebrew Character]] and [[Turnip Moth]].
'''Root chicory''' (''Chicorium intybus'' var. ''sativum'') has been in cultivation in Europe as a [[coffee substitute]] for a long time. Around 1970 it was found that the root contains up to 20% [[inulin]]. Since then, new strains have been created, giving root chicory an inulin content comparable to that of sugar beet (around 600 dt/ha). Inulin is mainly present in the plant family [[Asteraceae]] as a storage carbohydrate (for example [[Jerusalem artichoke]], [[dahlia]], etc.). It is used as a sweetener in the food industry (with a sweetening power 30% higher than that of sucrose). Inulin can be converted to fructose and glucose through [[hydrolysis]].
Chicory, with [[sugar beet]] and [[rye]] was used as an ingredient of the [[East Germany|East German]] ''Mischkaffee'' (mixed coffee), introduced during the '[[History of the German Democratic Republic#Coffee crisis.2C 1976.E2.80.9379|coffee crisis]]' of [[1976]]-[[1979|9]]
Chicory's leaves are still used today in typical Roman recipes: it's common in Roman restaurants to eat dishes with boiled chicory leaves, olive oil and lemon juice (fried with garlic and red pepper). The plant is very common in the Roman countryside and is often picked up by farmers; recently greengrocers introduced a cultivated variety of the plant, which is bigger and has longer leaves.
==Ethnomedical Uses==
* ''C. Endiva'' root has been used [[ethnomedical]]ly to treat [[dyspepsia]], loss of appetite, liver and gallbladder problems, and intestinal worms, [[Type II Diabetes]], and as a [[laxative]] for children.
==History==
[[Image:2005lettuce_and_chicory.PNG|thumb|right|Lettuce and chicory output in 2005]]
The chicory plant is one of the earliest cited in recorded literature. [[Horace]] mentions it in reference to his own diet, which he describes as very simple: "Me pascunt olivae, me cichorea, me [[malva]]e"("As for me, olives, endives, and mallows provide sustenance.")<ref>Horace, ''Odes 31, ver 15'', ca 30 BC</ref>. [[Lo
rd Monboddo]] describes the plant in 1779<ref>Letter from Monboddo to John Hope, 29 April, 1779; reprinted by William Knight 1900 ISBN 1-85506-207-0</ref> as the "chicoree", which the French cultivate as a "pot herb". Today, you can find cicory in typical Roman recipes, generally fried with garlic and red pepper, with its bitter and spicy taste, often together with meat or potatoes.
[[FAO]] reports that in 2005, China and the USA were the top producers of lettuce and chicory.
== Symbolism and popular references ==
The chicory flower is often seen as inspiration for the Romantic concept of the [[Blue Flower]]. It was also believed to be able to open locked doors, according to European [[folklore]].<ref>Howard, Michael. ''Traditional Folk Remedies'' (Century, 1987), p.120.</ref>
Chicory was also mentioned in an episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'', "Lisa the Iconoclast." When Lisa walks into the Springfield Historical Society building, the curator is holding a mug and later says, "I always enjoy talking about Jebediah even when I'm drinking my chicory."
In an episode of ''[[Family Guy]]'', [[Martha Stewart]], while responding to Lois Griffin's compliment of her coffee, states that, "A little chicory perks up the taste of roasted coffee beans; it's a good thing."
In the science fiction TV series [[Stargate SG-1]], when under the influence of an alien presence, the members of SG-1 comment that their coffee tastes oddly good. When [[Jack O'Neill]] suggests [[cinnamon]] as the possible source of the coffee's good taste, [[Daniel Jackson]] comments that it may in fact be chicory.
== Chicory as a herbal treatment==
Chicory, especially the flower, was used as a treatment in Germany, and is recorded in many books as an ancient German treatment for everyday ailments. Howard (1987) mentions is use as, variously, a [[tonic]] and appetite [[stimulant]], and as a treatment for [[gallstone]]s, [[gastro-enteritis]], [[sinus]] problems and cuts and [[bruise]]s.
== References==
<div class="references-small">
<references />
</div>
==See also==
*[[Lettuce]]
*[[Olive]]
*[[Phytonutrient]]
*[[Polyphenol antioxidant]]
<gallery>
Image:Chicory01.jpg|Common chicory (''Cichorium intybus'') with blue flowers
image:Lavender chicory01.jpg|Common chicory<br> with lavender<br> flowers
image:Chicory_flower_001.jpg|''Cichorium intybus'' <br> Photo: Bruce Marlin
</gallery>
==External links==
*[http://www.cirrusimage.com/Flower_chicory.htm Chicory Pollinators] Diagnostic photographs; insect pollinators of Chicory
* [http://coffeetea.about.com/od/coffeesubstitutes/gr/chicory.htm Chicory Coffee - How Does it Taste?]
* [http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=36762 ITIS 36762]
* [http://www.seedsofchange.com/market_growers/field_report_48.asp Chicory, endive, and other gourmet greens]
{{Commons|Cichorium intybus}}
[[Category:Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
[[Category:Spices]]
[[Category:Coffee substitutes]]