How to Make Chicory Coffee

Chicory is a perennial herb which primarily grew as a wild plant in Europe, Australia and North America. Although now due to its various benefits, it is cultivated all around the world. Scientifically known as Cichorium intybus, chicory is mainly cultivated for its leaves and roots which are used as a coffee substitute, vegetable and as a cooking ingredient.

According to researchers, chicory root was first used as a coffee substitute in Holland around 1750. Soon it became a popular coffee alternative and was introduced in the United States in the year 1785 by James Bowdoin, the then governor of Massachusetts.

By the 18th century, France became the biggest consumer of chicory, as Napoleon in an attempt to make the country self-sufficient banned coffee imports.

• The biggest benefit of consuming chicory coffee is that it doesn't contain any caffeine. For people who are suffering from caffeine side effects or addiction, chicory coffee is a natural and healthy substitute.
• Chicory coffee is rich in minerals and vitamins and contributes about 2% of the daily recommended intake of potassium and niacin.

• Not only the roots but also the leaves and buds are edible and serve as popular accompaniment in salads and other dishes.

These days many brands available in the market which offer blends containing around thirty percent of chicory. These chicory coffees are much healthier than the regular coffees and here are some recipes that can be tried at home.

Ingredients

• Drip-ground coffee, 4 tbsp. (you can also use chicory blends)
• Chicory, 2 tbsp.
• Water, 4 cups
• Sugar (Optional)

Preparation

• Begin by adding water in the drip-style coffee maker and heat it.
• Now add the coffee and chicory in the brewing basket.
• After the water has boiled, ensure that it moistens the coffee and the chicory and then add about ½ a cup of water in the filter.

• Wait for the water to drip through and serve hot immediately. You can also add some sugar for taste.
• For people who prefer milky coffee, they can also add some milk to satisfy their own taste buds.

Ingredients

• Coffee, 2 tsp.
• Chicory Essence, 2 tsp.
• Vanilla ice cream, ½ scoop

• Fresh whipped cream
• Milk, 1 glass
• Grated chocolate

Preparation

• In a blender, add coffee, chicory essence and ½ glass milk and mix properly.
• Now add the remaining milk and blend again.
• Now add the ice cream scoops and blend until you get the desired consistency.

• Pour the delicious coffee in a cup and top it with whipped cream. You can use the grated chocolate or even a cherry for garnishing the delicious coffee.

As compared to the other coffees, this coffee is slightly thick in consistency and a lot more bitter. Chicory coffee has many health benefits vis-a-vis the regular coffee and tastes equally well, when prepared in the right manner. On top of that, it is very economical and costs almost half of the regular coffee.