{"product_id":"chicory","title":"Chicory","description":"\u003cp\u003eChicory is a hardy, leafy green domesticated from its wild European ancestors. With its ruffled leaves and lightly blanched centre, this plant offers a mild bitter flavour that enhances salads, sautés, and traditional dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBitter greens like chicory have long been prized for their digestive benefits, supporting gut health and stimulating appetite. A resilient plant, chicory thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for fall and winter harvesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere Can You Grow Chicory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChicory thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is ideal for garden beds, raised beds, and container growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChicory has been cultivated for centuries, valued for both its culinary and medicinal uses. Ancient Romans and Greeks used it as a tonic herb, while in many European traditions, the leaves, roots, and flowers were incorporated into food and herbal remedies. Today, chicory remains a staple in Italian, French, and Mediterranean cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds in early spring or autumn for a continuous harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in late spring for summer harvest or in late summer for a fall and winter crop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in early summer for fall harvests, as it tolerates frost well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Chicory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 0.5-1cm (1\/4-1\/2in) deep, spacing plants 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest young leaves for fresh salads or let them mature for cooking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be harvested, dried, and roasted for use as a coffee substitute.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chicory is cold-hardy and can be blanched by covering plants for a milder taste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow Plants to Flower:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chicory produces tall stalks with bright blue flowers in its second year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once flower heads dry and turn brown, collect the seed heads before they disperse.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spread seeds on a towel to dry completely, then remove any debris.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52198404129065,"sku":"MF-HERB-006","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6225\/6681\/files\/Chicory_b4ff7a36-d036-4506-aab8-a03c48ea0812.jpg?v=1764456962","url":"https:\/\/konnichiwa.ca\/products\/chicory","provider":"こんにちはマート | KON NICHIWA MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}