Chicory found on the our land

Even after being here for nearly four years there is still something new to discover almost every week. The latest one is a rather attractive light blue flower that grows in abundance in the meadows all around the farm.

The plant is Chicory - Cichorium intybus which as many of you know is used extensively as an additive to coffee,

Chicory is best viewed in the early morning or late evening or on a cloudy day because when the sun is at it's strongest and brightest the flowers close up leaving a rather bare looking scrub.

The plant can grow to about five feet tall and to be honest, if the flower wasn't present you would cut it down because the harsh woody stems are unattractive.

There a number of uses for Chicory including extensive medical remedies and cures and as an addition to salads or as a hot vegetable.

If you are in France this time of year, look out for it because it seems to be everywhere.