The light yellow leaves had to grow without light in order to develop a milder aroma with only a few bitter substances. Outside the dark cellar, the freshness clock immediately starts ticking. In order for winter vegetables to remain edible for longer, they must be stored optimally right from the start.
How do I store chicory correctly?
Chicory is a delicate leafy vegetable. It must be stored immediatelycool,moistanddark. In the house you can use thevegetable compartment of the refrigerator. Additionally wrap the chicory in a damp cloth. Stored like this it stays fresh for about a week.
How do I know if chicory has gone bad?
Flawless chicory is firm, closed at the tip and exclusively white-yellow in color, except for the red variety, which is the result of a cross with radicchio. If a few outer leaves come loose or no longer look good, you can simply remove them before washing. Chicory is bad if it has the following characteristics:
- lots of brown spots
- severely damaged leaves
- Traces of mold
- musty smell
- mushy parts
Can I also freeze chicory?
Yes, chicory can also be frozen and will then last for almost a year. Beforehand, however, you should cut out the bitterest part, the stalk, in a wedge shape and then blanch the leaves. You can also freeze foods that contain chicory without any problems. However, you should use these within a few months.
What do I do if chicory has turned a little green?
Chicory turns green when it is in a bright place. In addition to the green color, there are bitter substances, which is why at least the green areas taste much more bitter. However, green chicory is not poisonous. Either you enjoy its bitterness, knowing that bitter substances are also he althy. Or youremove the green leaves or process them with sweet ingredients, then the bitter taste doesn't dominate so much.
When is fresh chicory in peak season?
Chicory is a winter vegetable. His season extends over many months. It starts inOctoberand goesuntil AprilIn Germany it is also available well and cheaply beyond this period. You can therefore buy it fresh again and again. So long storage doesn't have to be an issue.
Tip
The freshest chicory is from your own cellar
Chicory first has to grow in the bed, then its roots are allowed to sprout the coveted yellow-white buds in complete darkness. Don't let this process scare you. Cultivation and subsequent “production” can also be done at home.
