Radicchio. Photos: Chris Emeott
For those looking for a leafy green packed with nutrition that can be grown at home or easily found at local farmers markets, chicories are an ideal choice. These relatives of lettuce not only add texture to dishes and serve as ideal charcuterie board dip and soft cheese vessels, they bring a host of nutrients to the plate.
We wanted to explore the health benefits of chicories and turned to Mary Schroeder, a University of Minnesota Extension educator and registered dietician in the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing. She says chicory varieties are worth working into nutritional rotations.
Belgian Endive
“Chicories tend to be a darker green, which hold more nutrients than an iceberg lettuce, especially when it comes to vitamins A and C,” she says. Vitamin A aids in vision and immune systems and helps reduce the risk of cancer and more. Vitamin C helps restore and repair body tissues and assists with keeping immune systems in check.
In addition, Schroeder says chicories are a good source of phytonutrients, which are natural compounds that offer various health benefits. She especially notes their anti-inflammatory properties as a reason to give chicories a try. “It’s one of those things we continue to learn more about,” she says of an anti-inflammatory diet and its overall health benefits. “Anti-inflammatory foods work by reducing the amount of free radicals that promote inflammation.”
Escarole
Now that we’ve addressed some health benefits, what types of chicories are out there? Chicory includes a variety of vegetables within the Cichorium intybus genus. While part of the same grouping, they vary in terms of head formation, texture and color. Think of it this way: siblings with resemblances but clear differences. Some of the more common varieties include: Belgian or red endive, curly endive (frisée), escarole, puntarelle and radicchio. (Don’t confuse it with red cabbage, or you’ll get a big flavor surprise.)
(These statements are for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Consult your doctor or a qualified health care provider before making changes to your diet or nutrition routine.)
