What is Chicory Coffee? All you Need to Know

For ages, Coffee has been immensely beloved by people wherever it went. Nowadays, most days are incomplete without that one morning Coffee. However, many people relish Coffee and its various versions and are unaware of its origin and the exciting stories of its travels worldwide.  One such popular version of Coffee is Chicory Coffee. But What is Chicory Coffee?  

Chicory Coffee is a beverage prepared from roasted, ground Chicory root. Often used as a Coffee substitute or blend, it has a rich, slightly nutty flavour with hints of chocolate. Are you intrigued to learn more about this unique brand of Coffee? Then read this blog further so that you can learn more in detail about What is Chicory Coffee.

Table of Contents 

1) History and origin of Chicory 

 2) Everything you need to know about Chicory Coffee    

3) How to make Chicory Coffee? 

4) Health benefits of Chicory    

5) Conclusion  

History and origin of Chicory 

Chicory root originates from ancient times and has been combined with many other foods. It has also become a versatile and beneficial plant. Its history dates to Egypt of the lower Nile Valley, where it was used for food, medicine, and cosmetics. Ancient Egyptians, who were experts in herbs, used the root of the Chicory plant in their medicines based on its healing capabilities to cure various diseases. 

Chicory made its way to Greece with the advancement of trade routes and was used not only for medicinal purposes but also as a culinary item. The Greeks found that the vegetable was not only palatable but could also be enhanced by adding honey and eaten as a confection. 

But the story of Chicory as a coffee substitute did not take an interesting turn until times of war, when Coffee became a rare luxury. Shrewd people started using roasted and ground Chicory root, as it had a similar taste to Sorghum Coffee. This innovation made it possible for people to use Chicory as a Coffee substitute, and this has been in practice up to date, perhaps especially in New Orleans, where it has become a tradition.

The cultivation of Chicory is one crop that has received a considerable boost from human endeavours in the field of agriculture. Farmers cultivate and care for Chicory plants, which are ready to be harvested once they reach maturity. After harvesting, the roots undergo a thorough process of washing, roasting, and grinding to produce the granules that give out the strong aroma of the Chicory beverage.

Everything you need to know about Chicory Coffee  

Drinking the same cup of Coffee every day can be monotonous. Over-consumption can also lead to chronic diseases. So, what can be a healthier alternative for you? If you want a replacement for your high caffeine, acidic and bitter Coffee, then Chicory is for you! But what is Chicory Coffee? Let's find out.    

Commonly known as large-rooted Chicory or Chicoree a café, it is the dried ground root of the cultivated plant Cichorium intybus. Chicory is grown in several regions worldwide, with France and South Africa as Chicory's most prominent producers (the U.S.A. is gradually taking over as the largest producer).     

Although Chicory Coffee has gathered much debate about whether it is Coffee or just a plant root, Chicory has gained immense popularity over the years. People consider Chicory to be a substitute for Coffee itself. This could be due to its lack of caffeine content, less bitterness, and high aroma despite its dark brown colour.    

Chicory is a plant root that is grown and harvested. Its roots are pulled from the ground with specialised equipment and then cut into small pieces, dried in a kiln, roasted, and powdered.    

Further, Chicory also has several medicinal values. During harvesting, it is caramelised and converted into d-fructose or fruit sugar. Thus, a Chicory contains high amounts of protein and inflammable oils.  

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How to make Chicory Coffee?

Chicory can be easily made at home. It can be made in several ways, but here is the traditional way to make this beverage. Follow these steps to make an aromatic Coffee: 

Ingredients required

a) Two tablespoons ground Chicory root  

b) Two tablespoons of ground Coffee (optional)  

c) Water

d) Milk or sweetener (optional)

Instructions on how to make a Chicory Coffee

a) Boil water: Start by boiling 2 cups in a pot or kettle.  

b) Mix Chicory and Coffee: If desired, mix the ground Chicory root with ground coffee in a French press or Coffee maker. Adjust the ratio based as per your taste preference.  

c) Brew: Pour the boiling water over the Chicory (and coffee) grounds. Let it steep for about 4 minutes.

d) Press or strain: When  using a French press, press down the plunger slowly. If using a Coffee maker, let it finish brewing.

e) Serve: Pour the Chicory Coffee into a cup. Add milk, sweetener, or flavorings if desired.

Health benefits of Chicory 

For ages, it has been consumed as a medicinal plant. However, with its decreased popularity today, many of us must be aware of Chicory's health benefits.   

So, let's see what some health benefits this beverage can provide us:

1) Chicory has soothing effects, making it a perfect balance of caffeine and sedative.  

2) It is used to prevent diseases like jaundice and swollen liver.  

3) Chicory syrups available in the market are excellent laxatives for children.  

4) Chicory is said to increase the production of bile juices which further improves digestion.  

5) Chicory also reduces increased heart rate and cholesterol and destroys harmful bacteria. 

So, if you are harming your body with excessive caffeine intake, start drinking Chicory for better health. 

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Conclusion 

We hope that from this blog you understood What is Chicory Coffee and its several medicinal benefits. Cultivating the habit of drinking Chicory Coffee will help you medically and provide you with a new taste every morning. So, start your mornings fresh with your new Chicory Coffee!

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