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Chicory, Cichorium intybus

Family of compositae

In the middle of Summer this plant flowers during sunny days and it has very particular pale blue flowers. But in order to prepare tasty salads this plant is picked up in Spring, founding it in fields and meadows.

Use
The infusion of its root is used to cure constipation and the lack of appetite, its leaves are indicated for people suffering from high blood pressure. The root of chicory, if the plant is cultivated, is toasted and used as substitute of coffee. The leaves of chicory have a bitter taste and they can be boiled or cooked in a pan with garlic and oil.

Picture and text of Tebaldo Lorini
Translated by Gianna Toni

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