CHICORY FOR PROCESSING – A CROP FOR THE FUTURE

The paper presents the results of many studies that highlight the importance of this plant for health and nutrition. According to the research studies, chicory is an alternative to coffee, for the development of new ingredients for food and beverages, food supplements, fodder and feed for animals. An analysis of the evolution of areas and yields in chicory destined to processing in Europe reveals an increasing interest only for a limited number of producers. Although this crop is not grown in Romania, chicory production represents an opportunity for producers in our country, being a plant specific to the temperate climate. It also represents an opportunity for the development of new businesses in its processing. In the future, organic chicory production will respond to the requirements of the Farm to Fork Strategy, but also of consumers, fact confirmed by the increasing organic imports in the EU.