Chicory (Chichorium intybus)

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Warning: DO NOT to add Chicory to Your Mourning Coffee.
Excessive or prolonged use may damage the retinas causing macular degeneration.
Macular Degeneration a gradual, chronic (incurable), progressive, painless deterioration of the macula, which is the small area in the centre of the retina that gives us our detailed vision. This is why someone with vision loss from macular degeneration may have trouble reading mail or newspapers but have no trouble spotting an object off to the side or while walking around, even in unfamiliar places. May also cause sluggish digestion.

1. Root can be split, dried, and roasted to make a coffee filler or substitute. Chickory is commonly found in United States of the Americas brands of coffee.
2. Leaves can be eaten raw.
3.  Chicory is a type of lettuce; so naturally, leaves are best when young and growing in areas protected from direct sunlight.
4. Many people find older leaves are best when cooked in several changes of water.
5. Young plants, including flower heads, can be cooked.
6. Roots, when young, can be eaten raw.
7. Look for chicory on disturbed ground, ranging from plains and foothills to mountain slopes.

©Al (Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan. All rights reserved.