Bitter Herbs

     When the Lord instructed the children of Israel to "eat the flesh [of the sacrificial lamb] that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat" the Passover meal as a token of obedience, he also explained its significance (Exodus 12:8). He said "this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations," to commemorate the passing over of the destroying angel, when He delivered them from the Egyptians (Exodus 12:14; Numbers 9:11). 
     Because herbs are soft, perishable plants no remains have conclusively identified the bitter herbs they ate. However, native plants and the time period of the Passover provide a list of probable candidates. Among the contenders is chicory.
      Chicory is a common perennial herb with blue flowers. Some consider it a weed. It grows along roadsides, and thrives in poor soils. The roots were baked, then ground into drinks. When incised, chicory produces a milky substance. It is regarded as a treatment for worms and intestinal parasites (Web; Wiki, chicory).  

Chicory #1603