One of the best ways to simplify your life is to learn about, cultivate, and eat wild edibles.
Here is a great article about Chicory. This plant grows so easily, and some think it is invasive. I like an abundance of chicory in my yard. The blue flowers are lovely, and there are so many uses for this plant.
My friend Robert saw this plant growing in a gravel driveway. He thought it might be something worth cultivating. I am SO glad that I dug up the plant and planted it in pots. There were many roots tangled together.
I had never noticed the plant before. Now it is growing all over our yard in abundance. It loves to grow in cracked and crevices.
Here is an excerpt from the following article:
Edible Parts: All parts are edible. Eat the young leaves (usually bitter) as a salad or boil to eat as a vegetable (boiling removes some of the bitterness too). Cook the roots as a vegetable. For use as a coffee substitute, roast the roots until they are dark brown and then pulverize them.
Other Uses: Some Chicory contains oils which are effective in eliminating intestinal worms and parasites (all parts of the plant contain these oils). It has been used to treat gallstones, sinus problems, cuts and bruises, and improve bowel movement. Chicory is also an excellent substitute for oats for horses (due to hits protein and fat content).
My research on chicory reveals that this plant is amazing. And the flowers are beautiful. I highly recommend getting this plant started in your garden.
