ABSTRACT
The exact center of origin is not known though Mediterranean region and Europe have been suggested as center of chicory origin. It is known that it is cultivated in ancient Egypt, but now, it is being cultivated all over the world. Chicory, a perennial plant, is an important salad or leafy vegetable grown throughout the northern plains and also southwest area of India since long time. Chicory is especially grown for its delicate leaves and roots, which are used in several ways. The roasted pieces of roots are used for blending and flavoring coffee or as coffee substitute. Chicory has several medicinal properties. The plants are used in indigenous medicines for the treatment of liver disorder, gallstones and inflammation of urinary track. Chicory, the herbaceous perennial, produces a continuous rosette of leaves on a shortened stem. Plant has alternate leaves with lobed or toothed margins.
