There are green leaves and there are yellow leaves. When one says goodbye, the other's time is approaching. The green version receives little attention, but it is not without taste and certainly not without meaning. A tailored look at both.
What do chicory leaves look like?
In the first year, chicory produces a loose rosette of leaves. The leaves are green and similar in shape to dandelions. Solid buds sprout from the harvested beet in dark rooms. Its leaves arewhite-yellow, elliptical in shape and pointed.
Which chicory leaves are edible?
Bought or home-grown buds are good to eatyellow budsThey are used almost exclusively because they only have a slight bitter note. On the other hand, the bitter substance lactucopicrinmakes green leaves very bitter Nevertheless, they are important. In the first year of cultivation, they carry out energy-producing photosynthesis so that a fleshy root can form. The light blue flowers are also edible and make a pretty decoration. But you would have to leave a plant in the bed for this, as they only appear in the second year.
How can I prepare chicory leaves?
After washing, you can use the chicory leaves as a salad or vegetable. The cookbooks and the internet offer numerous recipe ideas. Generally speaking, you can use chicory:
- eat raw
- steaming
- frying
How long do fresh chicory leaves last?
Even though the main season for chicory is from October to April, it is available all year round in Germany. It is best to buy it fresh and just before using it. If it cannot be used immediately, store it as follows:
- Wrap the buds in a damp cloth
- put in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator
- do not put pressure on it (from other vegetables)
- max.one week store
What he althy ingredients do the yellow leaves offer?
In addition to bitter substances, which are often not popular but are he althy, the yellow leaves also offer these ingredients:
- Potassium, folic acid and zinc
- Vitamins A, B and C
- Fiber (inulin)
It should also be mentioned that this winter vegetable, also known as Brussels salad, is very low in calories, with 16 kcal per 100 grams.
How do I know if the leaves are still good?
The bud should befirm and closed, the leaves should bewhite-yellow colored and without damage. If some of the leaves are mushy, covered in brown spots or moldy, the chicory is bad and should no longer be consumed.
Tip
Red chicory tastes less bitter
Yellow chicory is still too bitter for you? Then try red chicory, which tastes much milder. It is a cross with the related radicchio, which is also a daisy family and a chicory species.
