The most common poisonous chicory species is Cichorium endivia, also known as wild endive or escarole. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it has been introduced in many other countries as a salad green. The leaves of wild endive are bitter and have a pungent smell. The plant has a milky sap that is toxic if ingested.
Toxicity symptoms can occur if you consume large quantities of Cichorium endivia. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. In severe cases, the ingestion of this plant can cause convulsions, coma, and even death.
To avoid ingesting wild endive, you need to first learn how to recognize it. Wild endive has long, narrow leaves that resemble lettuce or spinach. The leaves have a jagged, spiny edge, and they can grow up to 20 inches in length. The plant’s flowers are blue or purple and they bloom from July to September. Wild endive can be found in meadows, fields, and forests.
Another species of chicory that can be poisonous is Cichorium intybus, also known as common chicory or blue sailor. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it is cultivated for its leaves and blue flowers. Common chicory is also used as a coffee substitute and is often added to salads and other dishes.
Common chicory contains a bitter substance called lactucopicrin, which can cause digestive problems if ingested in large quantities. The plant’s roots also contain inulin, a complex sugar that can cause bloating and flatulence if consumed in excess.
To recognize common chicory, look for a plant with blue or purple flowers that bloom from July to October. The plant has long, pointed leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste but are not as bitter as wild endive.
To avoid ingesting poisonous chicory, make sure you buy your chicory from a reputable source. If you are foraging for wild chicory, always make sure you can positively identify the plant before consuming it. If you are unsure whether a plant is safe to eat, do not eat it.
In conclusion, chicory is a plant that can be both nutritious and poisonous. To avoid the health risks associated with poisonous species of this plant, make sure you can positively identify the plant before consuming it. Buy your chicory from a reputable source, and if you are unsure whether a plant is safe to eat, do not eat it. With these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of chicory without putting your health at risk.