Chicory: how to collect and dry the root and flowers at home with a photo

When it comes to chicory, one immediately remembers that this is a well-known coffee substitute. However, the grass has useful components in large quantities. Many do not even suspect that this plant is quite common in desert glades or along impassable roads, like a common weed. Summer residents who know the beneficial properties of this herb try to take care of it on their plots. About how to properly collect, dry and harvest chicory for the winter, later in the material.

When and how to harvest chicory

Chicory is in the active phase of flowering for 3 months, from July to the end of September. The green part of this plant is harvested just during this period. Cut off the top with flowers 30 centimeters long, without touching the hard stems.

As for the part of the plant that grows underground, its collection begins in the rainy season. In a period of high soil moisture, it is not difficult to remove chicory roots. For this procedure, the very beginning of spring or deep autumn is suitable - after the grass stalks wither.

Those who want to get the maximum amount of benefit from the use of chicory, collects rhizomes in the autumn period.

To carefully get the roots, you must first dig out the soil around the stem, then pull out the root. The most useful part of the plant is deep in the ground, so the use of a shovel is not required, as there is a risk of cutting off only the upper part of the grass. Growing grass at home, it is easy to follow the phases of its growth and flowering.

Cooking chicory for the winter

In order for chicory to be well stored in winter, the upper and lower parts of the plant are dried. Before harvesting grass, it needs to be prepared.

After collecting the upper part of the plant, the raw materials must be sorted out, removing yellowed damaged branches, particles of dirt and leaves damaged by pests. It is not necessary to wash the harvested chicory stalks. You can dry the branches whole or cut into several parts. Many people grind grass into strips that are only 3 centimeters long for easy storage.

Chicory roots should be rid of residues in the soil and washed thoroughly in water. Lateral small roots are torn off from the main rhizome, since they are not suitable for drying, the main root contains the most useful vitamins.

Very long rhizomes can be cut into several pieces across, thick ones - along.

How to dry grass

Outdoor places are considered suitable for drying chicory, many choose a balcony, veranda or shed. The main thing is that the air circulates well, and the grass is protected from direct sunlight. The room is chosen with the absence of high humidity, as this contributes to the moldiness of raw materials. Cut branches of chicory are laid out on thick paper or fabric.

To prevent the grass from caking, the plants are periodically stirred during the drying process. Some craftsmen dry the grass in a dryer, using temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius. After two to three weeks, the green part of the plant will be dried.

How to dry a rhizome

The roots of useful grass are also dried in two ways. This can be done by laying it out on canvas or paper, leaving it outdoors in a dark place. Or using a dryer or oven preheated to no more than 40 degrees.

If you choose the natural way of drying the roots, the time of readiness of chicory will be no more than 2 weeks. Before the procedure, the rhizome is cleaned of dirt and small damaged lateral processes. If necessary, cut along or across.

How to determine the readiness of the product

Distinctive features of the fact that chicory has dried quite well - during squeezing between the fingers, the dried leaves turn into powder, and the stems make a distinct crack when they break. If the top of the plant is dried in compliance with all conditions, it will not change its natural shade during the drying process.

Dried to the desired stage, the roots become light brown in color, and inside they have a yellowish tint.

Methods of storage

Sticky paper bags, cloth bags or cardboard boxes are great for storing green grass tops. Choose a dry place where there is no sunlight. A beneficial herb retains its healing components for 12 months.

Dried roots of a medicinal plant or ground chicory drink are recommended to be stored in a glass container in a dark, dry place. Jars with blanks must be placed away from products that have a caustic or specific aroma. Taking into account all the above recommendations, coffee from chicory, as well as dried roots of the plant, retain their beneficial qualities for 24 months.

Use of chicory blanks

Chicory root is the most popular coffee substitute. As you know, natural coffee contains in its composition such a substance as caffeine. This component is contraindicated in people suffering from certain diseases.

As for the chicory drink, there is no caffeine in it at all, but other useful substances are contained in large quantities.

To make coffee from chicory roots, it is necessary to grind fresh roots into several parts no more than 10 millimeters thick. And then heat treated at about 100 degrees for 12 hours.

Already dry pieces of roots need to be fried in a pan without using oil. When the chicory takes on the color of a coffee drink, the product is considered ready.

The specific aroma of chicory coffee is given by the essential oil that is released during the roasting of the roots. The fried raw materials must be cooled, then chopped using a blender or coffee grinder.

Chicory drink is brewed both without adding grain components and with them. As an additive, soy, barley, rowan, oats, dried carrots, or roasted almonds are usually chosen. The proportion of these components is always different, depending on taste preferences.

Also tea is prepared from the powder of this medicinal herb. To do this, one teaspoon of the powder mixture should be boiled in water, the amount of which is approximately equal to one glass of water.After that, the drink is allowed to brew. After 10 minutes, the drink is ready. By adding sugar, cream or milk, you can enjoy aromatic bitter tea.

Drinks made from ground chicory have a positive effect on the state of the nervous system, give a sedative effect and, moreover, do not contain caffeine at all.

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