Do you know how to remove the bitterness of chicory? Many people do not appreciate it and knowing how to remove it is essential in order to enjoy the dish with pleasure.
Chicory is a perennial herb commonly found along roadsides and in wastelands, but it can also be cultivated intentionally. there are Varieties of wild chicory, But the most famous and widespread in the markets are wild chicory and Catalonia.
because chicory is bitter
Chicory is a very nutritious food, as it contains a good amount of water, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. Among the vitamins present, vitamin A, vitamin C and B vitamins are at the top. In addition, chicory is an important source of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
To which plant is wild chicory related? Asteraceae familyThe same family as other herbs grown for salads such as lettuce, radicchio and endive, as well as other plants such as thistle, artichoke and burdock.
Remove Bitterness from Chicory – WineandFoodTour.it
A distinctive feature of these salad plants is the presence of sesquiterpene lactone, It is a special class of chemical compounds that act as secondary metabolites in plants. Sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for the characteristic bitter taste of these plants, including wild chicory.
Although bitterness may be an undesirable trait for some people, it is important to note that the sesquiterpene lactones found in chicory and other plants in the same family also have many medicinal benefits. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive-stimulating properties.
Studies have shown that sesquiterpene lactones may play a role in prevention of digestive disorders, such as indigestion and acid reflux, and it may also aid in liver and immune system health. Therefore, while bitter may not be to everyone’s taste, it is also important to consider the potential health benefits of these compounds.
How to remove bitterness from chicory
Chicory is an herbaceous perennial plant that provides a variety of health benefits due to its water, fiber, vitamin and mineral content. Although its bitter taste may not be appreciated by everyone, chicory is appreciated for its culinary versatility Beneficial for digestion. Let’s see how to remove bitterness from chicory.
Several methods are available to remove the bitterness of chicory and achieve a more pleasant flavor. Here are four ways Soften the Chicory:
- Soaking Method: Wash and soak the chicory thoroughly. cold water and ice for a few hours before boiling it. After that, squeeze it well to remove excess water and proceed with cooking.
- Potato Method: Wash the chicory thoroughly and immerse it in cold water and ice for a few hours. while boiling 2-3 potatoes, The potatoes will absorb some of the bitterness of the radicchio. Once cooked, drain the cooking water and squeeze well.
- Lemon Soaking Method: Boil chicory, then filter and leave to soak in cold water with lemon juice for 20 minutes. Then squeeze it well to remove the remaining water.
- Baking Soda Method: Add one teaspoon of baking soda to the cooking water and boil it. After that filter it and squeeze it well.
Taking away the bitterness of chicory can seem like a challenge, but these solutions are sure to leave you with a sweet and flavorful vegetable.
other bitter vegetables
List of bitter vegetables include Radicchio, Belgian Endive, Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts, Radish, Rocket, Endive and Turnip Greens, All these vegetables are rich in fiber, are largely water soluble and have minimal carbohydrate and fat content; They also contain a good amount of minerals and vitamins.
Radicchio – WineandFoodTour.it
one of the bitter vegetables Eupeptic function, i.e. digestive, choleretic and choleretic, These are complex words that indicate the ability of these vegetables to facilitate the production and outflow of bile from the gallbladder to the intestine. In other words, the well-known detoxification effect that allows the body to eliminate toxins.