A leafy vegetable that can be obtained all year round
When most of the other leafy vegetables get too cold, the chicory comes alive. Along with kale, lamb's lettuce and purslane, it is one of the most popular leafy vegetables in winter. But it can not only be found in stores in winter. Global production and modern storage facilities mean that chicory is available all year round.
also read
- Cold sleep for chicory
- Delicious recipes with chicory
- Wash the chicory and prepare it for consumption
Use the high season in favor of better quality and prices
While chicory can be bought all year round, it is not advisable. For example, if you buy chicory in the summer, there is a good chance that you will encounter poor quality and an inflated price. But when can you expect perfect chicory?
The chicory is a winter salad whose season in Germany begins in October and is usually declared over between March and April. During this time you can use the leafy vegetables, which are best from the region, as a winter salad.
Among other things, speak for good quality:
- tightly closed, heavy pistons
- a predominantly white and slightly yellowish color
- no green leaves
- no brown spots
- none of the outer leaves have yet been removed
A longer procedure that is worthwhile
The beet-shaped chicory roots are harvested between the middle of September and the end of October and then placed in the cold store or in basins with warm water. There they are encouraged to hustle and bustle. The chicory is ready to be harvested after three to four weeks. It can be stored in a dark and cool place such as the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
The whole procedure is also possible on your own. The chicory can be in your own garden cultivated and later grown in suitable rooms. It doesn't get any fresher.
Tips & Tricks
The fresher the chicory, the tastier it will be remembered. There is now also red chicory, which is suitable for all those who like to do without the bitter aftertaste.
