Posts: 3170
From: Twin Peaks
Registered: Apr 2011

posted April 13, 2014 12:24 PM            

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Does it grow throughout the US as a weed, and can you use the roots of all chicory for a coffee alternative?

I've tried to look it up online, but I'm not finding a lot of information about it as a wild plant in the US.

Mostly just where to buy it, how to grow it, etc.

I would like to try to find some growing in the wild, and use that (although I think I'll plant some as well).

Anyone?

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Posts: 3102
From:
Registered: Apr 2009

posted April 13, 2014 12:47 PM            

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i found this hope it helps

How to Grow and the Benefits of growing Chicory from Wild Chicory Heirloom Seeds
http://www.localharvest.org/blog/48630/entry/how_to_grow_and_the

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Posts: 3170
From: Twin Peaks
Registered: Apr 2011

posted April 13, 2014 03:34 PM            

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Thank you, Dee! That article was helpful.

Still trying to figure out which type is best for the roots, for a coffee substitute...

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Posts: 6878
From: Mountain Gate
Registered: Aug 2013

posted April 13, 2014 05:17 PM            

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There is no substitute for coffee.

Coffee is sufficient unto itself.

There.

That being said, chickory grows by the roadside and looks an awful lot like flax.

Unfortunately this usually means a packed, gravelly sometimes oil soaked soil, so you can hardly call it organic, even if wild-harvested.

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Posts: 3170
From: Twin Peaks
Registered: Apr 2011

posted April 13, 2014 11:20 PM            

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^ Ew. No, that does not sound appealing. It doesn't grow anywhere in nature?!
Eghh, these plants...

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Posts: 6878
From: Mountain Gate
Registered: Aug 2013

posted April 14, 2014 03:46 AM            

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Some just tend to like a gravelly, tight-packed soil.

Nine times out of ten, you'll see them right there beside the highway.

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Posts: 3170
From: Twin Peaks
Registered: Apr 2011

posted April 14, 2014 11:06 AM            

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Grmphh. *sigh*
Our goal is to take an extended roadtrip as soon as we can get everything together.

I'm hoping that I might be able to forage a bit while we're doing that. It would be nice to detox from coffee, and chicory sounded like a great option.

Alas...chicory doesn't sound like it will be on the menu.
Don't think I'll be foraging off the highway anytime soon, hehe.

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Posts: 6878
From: Mountain Gate
Registered: Aug 2013

posted April 14, 2014 07:11 PM            

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Well, roots are a bit of a workhorse too.

Not usually a Jack Kerouac option, little fishy girl.

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Posts: 3170
From: Twin Peaks
Registered: Apr 2011

posted April 15, 2014 11:22 AM            

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Don't forget my Cappy Mars!

I just dug up a bunch of sod and glacial rocks to make a home for the strawberries, hehe.

Although it did just occur to me that it's far easier to dig when the Earth is all wet, which it usually is here.

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Posts: 6878
From: Mountain Gate
Registered: Aug 2013

posted April 15, 2014 06:09 PM            

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This is True!

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