Chicory confusion...

[Helen82]

I'm being a bit dim again...was in Morrisons earlier and bought some chicory to see if my two would like it. But I've since read on here (I think) that chicory looks like dandelion leaves and yet the chicory I bought looks like this

Is this what everybody else who's fed their guinea pigs chicory has used or have I bought not quite the right thing?!

 

[Wiebke]

I'm being a bit dim again...was in Morrisons earlier and bought some chicory to see if my two would like it. But I've since read on here (I think) that chicory looks like dandelion leaves and yet the chicory I bought looks like this

Is this what everybody else who's fed their guinea pigs chicory has used or have I bought not quite the right thing?!

That is chicoree, yes; it can have yellow or maroon tinged leaves that are slightly bitter. Please be aware that there is not a lot of greenery in this variety and do not feed too often. lettuce is generally not high in nutrients and should not be too large a part of a piggy diet.

 

[Helen82]

That is chicoree, yes; it can have yellow or maroon tinged leaves that are slightly bitter. Please be aware that there is not a lot of greenery in this variety and do not feed too often. lettuce is generally not high in nutrients and should not be too large a part of a piggy diet.

Thanks - will just give them a small bit then and see what the reaction is!

 

[Betsy]

I get mine red chicory as a treat occasionally and they love it.

 

[Helen82]

I get mine red chicory as a treat occasionally and they love it.

Is red chicory the same thing as radichhio? I really should know this sort of stuff by my age!

 

[Betsy]

Is red chicory the same thing as radichhio? I really should know this sort of stuff by my age!

Had to ask Uncle Google that one!

He said
"A member of the chicory family, radicchio has distinctive pink-red leaves with white veins. Its firm, cup-shaped leaves have a strongly bitter taste (though not quite as bitter as chicory)."

 

[Wiebke]

You may find this link here helpful. Lettuce varieties can be very confusing as the names come from a range of languages, depending on the origin of a particular variety: The British Leafy Salad Association web site

 

[Helen82]

They've just had a bit for supper (a treat as they only usually get veg at breakfast and teatime). The verdict: Primrose ate all of her bit, Stanley ate some of it but he's not as enchanted. I think they prefer the red chicory/radicchio (which they've had in a mixed salad bag before), as do I. Now I've got to work out how I'm going to eat the rest...