Warm Up with Chicory
Are you a hot beverage fanatic? We sure are, as our huge line of gourmet coffees, teas and cocoas might suggest. Well, if so, have we ever got a treat for you! Chicory, found in the herbs and spices section of our site, makes a rich and delicious drink.
Chicory, which is caffeine-free, has been used as an alternative or addition to coffee throughout history. In fact, during the Great Depression and World War II, many Americans brewed cups of chicory as a substitute for more expensive (and sometimes hard-to-find) coffee. However, chicory’s popularity dates back all the way to the early 1800s, when, legend holds, Napoleon’s troops brought the herb back to Paris from Northern Europe.
Chicory is naturally caffeine-free, but it does have the smooth, roasted flavor that so many coffee drinkers love. Many people also believe that chicory has medicinal benefits. Most notably, chicory is often consumed as a body cleansing agent for the gallbladder and liver. It is also thought to help control blood sugar.
Chicory is easy to prepare in electric, stovetop or French press coffee makers. Simply make it as you would coffee, using 2 to 3 tbsp. of ground chicory for each cup of water. You can also mix ground chicory with ground coffee beans for a unique hot brew that’s particularly popular in New Orleans. Combine 1 part ground chicory with 2 to 3 parts ground coffee and brew the coffee as usual. Because chicory has a strong flavor, you may want to add a bit of cream or milk, as well as a sweetener like sugar or honey, to the brew before you start to sip.
Have you ever tried chicory? What’s your favorite way to enjoy this delicious product?
Leave a Reply