CICHORIUM INTYBUS L. detail of the plant with the leaves and the flowers
Very related with this plant it is the endive coming from the species wild endive of Brussels (Cichorium endivia) that it is cultivated as a potherb because of its white, crispy and lightly bitter leaves.
This plant should not be used by those people who present tendency to produce kidney stones, since the root is rich in oxalates.
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional, scientific organization dedicated to the study and control of plant diseases.
Italian dandelion (Cichorium intybus) is a leafy, nonhead forming chicory plant that is eaten as a fresh vegetable in salads.
During the late summer (August through October) of 2002, in the Salinas Valley (Monterey County) in California, a previously unreported disease was found in commercial Italian dandelion fields.
Endive leaves are dissected and curly, and escarole leaves are flat and broad, but both are rather bitter tasting saladgreens popular in Europe and in trendy American restaurants.
The curly leaved variety of Cichorium endivia is called endive.
Escarole, and to a lesser extent, endive, should be blanched to reduce their bitterness.
Cichorium endivia (Endive, Scarole)(Site not responding. Last check: )
It is similar to Chicory Cichorium intybus but is annual rather than perennial and whereas the leaves of Chicory are usually hairy, those of Endive are hairless.
that it is a cultivated form of Cichorium pumilum, now regarded as a full species.
The common names Chicory and Endive are used in the reverse by the French:
If you know where it came from, I'd be much obliged if you'd let me know.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a herb and root that has been known for its curative benefits since the first century A.D. It is a member of the Asteraceae family.
"Cichorium Intybus." PDR for Herbal Medicines, First Edition.
These Cichoriums are also grown mainly as saladgreens and can also be blanched or grown in the dark to make them sweeter.
With so many different fancy Cichoriums, it is easy to see how the common Chicory that grows on roadsides has not garnered the respect it deserves.
Cultivated for centuries, not only as a tonic herb but as a coffee additive or substitute, there must be a place in our garden for this humble plant with the beautiful blue flower.
