chicory.co.uk

Chicory is a hardy perennial plant with bright blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region but now found across temperate climates. The leaves and roots have long been used in herbal infusions and traditional beverages. Roasted chicory root serves as a caffeine-free coffee substitute or additive. The plant tolerates poor soil and drought, making it valuable for wildlife gardens and sustainable growing. Chicory leaves are also eaten as salad greens or cooked vegetables, and the root has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.