Chicory's hidden season: A flavourful, nutritious discovery

In stores, many people give chicory a wide berth, treating it like an unfamiliar lettuce. However, it's worth trying during your shopping trips, as this unassuming vegetable not only packs a lot of flavour but also offers numerous health benefits.

It might seem like the season for fresh vegetables is over and that stores are mostly stocked with root vegetables. However, the season for chicory has just begun. The chicory season starts in October and lasts until April, so it's worth getting to know it better and incorporating it into your diet.

Though small, chicory is a true treasure trove of health. It belongs to the aster family and includes several European and Asian species. In Canada, common chicory and endive are most frequently cultivated.

Chicory's characteristic features include its elongated, crispy leaves with a slightly bitter taste. These leaves are highly valued for their vitamins, minerals, and fibre content. The chicory season falls in the fall and winter when our bodies especially need support, so it's worth including it in your menu.

The inulin found in chicory is a natural prebiotic that nourishes good intestinal bacteria. This improves digestion, increases immunity, and reduces the risk of constipation. The bitter taste of chicory stimulates bile production, which speeds up fat digestion and helps lower "bad" cholesterol levels. It supports liver function, aiding more effective detoxification.

Chicory minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, positively affect the nervous system, improve memory, and enhance concentration. Regular consumption of chicory helps lower blood pressure and protects against cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and heart attacks. It also contains a considerable amount of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight loss diets.

Raw chicory works great in salads and can be combined with cheeses (e.g., gorgonzola), fruits (pears, apples, grapes), and nuts. It pairs wonderfully with stewed meats and vegetables. Simply sauté it in butter with salt, pepper, sugar, and lemon juice. Braised chicory served with meat makes a tasty dinner side.

Chicory can also be baked, for example, with cheese, ham, and béchamel sauce, similar to a casserole. There are plenty of options, so it's worth inviting this vegetable into your kitchen and experimenting.