Where can you find chicory root?

Let’s face it, chicory root isn’t exactly a household name. But that doesn’t mean this underestimated root doesn’t pack a healthy punch and impressive taste all at once. From adding flavor to coffee alternatives to aiding in digestive health, chicory root is worth seeking out.

So if you’re wondering where the heck you can even find chicory root or what to do with it when you do stumble upon some, look no further than this guide.

What Exactly Is Chicory Root?

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the daisy family that consists of blue flowers and long leaves growing up from its base. It has been used as an ingredient in medicine and food for centuries centuries while becoming known globally today due to instant beverage applications such as “decaf” coffee replacements products.

The part of the plant we are interested in here is the taproot—also known as the root itself—which boasts many nutritional qualities worthy of your attention. Here are just a few:

  • High in fiber
  • Acts as a prebiotic
  • May improve digestion
  • Packed with vitamins C & K
  • Contains anthocyanins

Not bad for something most people haven’t even heard of!

Where To Buy Chicory Root

Now that we’ve convinced you how awesome chicory root is (at least enough to give it shot), let’s answer one simple question: where can you buy some? The good news is there are plenty of options available.

Online Retailers

If you want really specific herbs and don’t mind waiting on shipping times then looking for reliable online stores like eBay or Wal-Mart’s website might be your best bet.

Specialty Health Food Stores

Another option would be specialty health food stores which carry quite extensive selections on natural ingredients descriptions highlighting potential benefits apart from listing usage ways while also having expert staff who can help you find what you need and explain some of the benefits.

Natural Food Co-ops

In certain regions, natural food co-ops are more prevalent. These community-owned stores prioritize sourcing local ingredients including organic one while supporting small-scale producers that use ethical practices compliant with environmental protection laws allowing availability to a safe green product selection. Their bulk herb sections are likely to have dried chicory root on hand.

Preparing Chicory Root

There are many ways to prepare chicory root once you get your hands on it: ground or brewed as tea, added raw to salads or cooked into meals such as soups & stews. Here is how you can prepare this beneficial plant:

Brewing like coffee

Chicory root was initially roasted and brewed in Europe for centuries by adding hot water which has been likened in taste (and color) likes that of regular coffee minus caffeine buzz people often crave but looks a match for when used alternatively complementing savory dishes served during breakfasts since its robust flavor pairs particularly well with eggs.

Steps for brewing like coffee

  1. Boil fresh water
  2. Add grounded chicory roots directly into the hot boiling water
  3. Wait from anywhere between two minutes up to four minutes before straining away loose leaf material using special bags made for infusersmy preferred method because these provide full coverage.
    4.Serve immediately after garnishing depending based off preference/with milk or sugar alternatives add-ins according personal preferences

And there! Done!

Alternatively, grind/chop down the fresh-root-chicories coming from existing stalks until they form a fine powder blend ideal per individual use purposes ie baking (one-third ratio), topping within latte froth applications( half-ratio) , spice rubs designed by non-professional chefs other cooking applications following tried-n-tested recipes -the list goes on.

Going Pro at Chicory Root Preparation

For a more involved experience or if you’re trying to impress your health-conscious friends, try this recipe:

  • Ingredients
    • 4 large chicory roots (about 250g total weight)
    • 1 tablespoon of ghee /coconut oil
    • Herbs like mint/ rosemary/basil depending on personal preference
    • Pink salt

Instructions inspired by seasoned chefs researching several sources:

  1. Preheat oven at no more than 180°C.
  2. Clean and rinse the chicory roots one by one ensuring that every part is dirt-free.
  3. Cut them in half or based off preference aiming for uniformity through pieces.size guides suggested simpler packaging there were, those placed on online sites per general public view had dimensions approximated as W35cm x D25cm x H10cm.
  4. Smear some liquid fat all over their surfaces including seasonings like herbs, salt according to liking …
    5.Place carefully into middle section of meat roasting pan then roast from around twenty-five minutes until tender while doing halfway between time flipping sideways earlier roasted-side contains ample amount nutritional constituents obtaining enough heat shock waves away leading toward gentle extraction action correlated improving taste attributes such bitterness early varieties hadn’t been roasted down yet)
    6.Sprinkle lightly with pink Himalayan salts upon coming out using tongs allowing natural cooling down period before consumption about 20 minutes.

Serve it aside chicken/fish/beef lamb dishes add-on along gratin dauphinois casseroles etc..

There are hundreds of other ways to prepare chichory root in savory meals do not be shy experiment & innovate!

Conclusion

Chicory root is an underutilized ingredient that offers plenty of benefits from digestive health to extra vitamins C & K via appetizing preparation methods just waiting for you! Keep exploring different options and levels beyond sufficient educational materials striving towards giving new ventures leading into culinary delights you’ll never forget feeling good eating truly delicious food regularly.

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