Chicory Coffee
A caffeine-free, dark and bitterish hot drink close to coffee, obtained by roasting and grinding chicory root. It became a popular alternative in Europe during periods of coffee shortage.
What Is Chicory Coffee?
Chicory coffee is a caffeine-free hot beverage made by roasting and grinding the root of the chicory plant (from the wild lettuce family). It contains no coffee beans; it takes its name only from its resemblance in appearance and taste.
Historically, it has been used both on its own and mixed to stretch real coffee, especially during periods when coffee was scarce or expensive in Europe (such as 19th-century France and wartime periods).
Nutritional Values of Chicory Coffee
One cup (approximately 240 ml) of unsweetened chicory coffee contains approximately 2 kcal of energy; it is caffeine-free. Values are approximate.
How Should Chicory Coffee Be Consumed?
Chicory coffee is consumed as part of a balanced diet, in measured amounts like other hot beverages.
This information is general; chicory coffee is a beverage and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Chicory Coffee?
A good chicory coffee is one with a dark brown color, a roasted-mildly bitter aroma, and a homogeneous powder appearance. Packages that have absorbed moisture or clumped are not preferred.
- Color should be dark brown, uniform
- Aroma should be roasted-mildly bitter
- Powder should be homogeneous, not clumped
How to Store Chicory Coffee?
Chicory coffee is stored in a dry, closed container in a cool place; absorbing moisture can lead to clumping and aroma loss.
Using Chicory Coffee in the Kitchen
Chicory coffee is most often brewed directly with hot water (sometimes with milk) and drunk; it is also mixed with real coffee by those wanting to reduce caffeine intake.
Why Does Chicory Coffee Resemble Coffee?
During roasting, sugars in the root caramelize, producing a dark color and a bitterish-roasted aroma similar to coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicory coffee real coffee?
No; it contains no coffee beans and is made entirely from the root of a different plant. Only its roasted taste and color are likened to coffee.
Can chicory coffee be drunk during pregnancy?
Although being caffeine-free makes it a preferred choice for some people, as with any herbal product, consulting a doctor before regular consumption during pregnancy is recommended.
Is chicory coffee found in Turkey?
It can be found at places selling healthy food and herbal products, as well as in some large markets.