Chicory coffee: the organic drink obtained from the hot infusion of the powder of the roasted chicory root
Chicory coffee is a drink that can attract your curiosity: it is still little known to us but the most demanding palates already appreciate it for its properties. However, if you want to give up the classic coffee, and chicory coffee does not completely convince you, you can always take refuge in tea. Watch the video to learn about the different varieties and types of tea and choose your favorite!
Chicory coffee: what it is and from which plant this drink is obtained
To obtain chicory coffee, it is necessary to make a "high-temperature infusion of toasted chicory root powder. When we talk about chicory, we need to clarify it because in nature there are very different types. The one used to prepare this drink is the intybus. Although this drink is called Chicory Coffee it is actually not a coffee but rather a drink that is reminiscent of coffee in color and a little bit also in taste. This coffee is drunk in the United States, and is typical of the city of New Orleans in Louisiana.
Although chicory coffee is so widespread in America, it was actually born in Europe, particularly in France, in the nineteenth century when, following the blockade by Napoleon, coffee disappeared completely and the French had to look for a "closer" substitute: chicory coffee. Even when the importation of coffee to France resumed at full speed, chicory coffee continued to be drunk and appreciated.
In Italy, on the other hand, chicory coffee was drunk above all during the first and second world wars when coffee became a luxury item that no one was able to afford.
Today the beneficial and phytopterapic properties of this plant are somewhat controversial: some have been proven, other doctors and scientists disagree a little. What is certain is that many drink this drink which commonly takes the name of chicory coffee for pure taste and love of its bitter taste, while others use its roasted root powder for phytotherapeutic purposes.
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Chicory coffee: the benefits of this natural drink
The leaves and roots of chicory contain important phytotherapeutic active ingredients such as: sesquiterpenic lactones including polyphenols, flavonoids and inulin. Many of the substances contained in chicory contain aperitif properties, that is, they increase the sense of hunger. Yet the substances in chicory coffee aid digestion and collaborate with our stomach in the production of gastric juices. It seems that this coffee, clearly taken in moderation, as in all things, improves biliary function and contributes to the well-being of the liver and kidneys, as this has diuretic and purifying properties, as it is rich in so much water.
Thanks to the presence of inulin, chicory coffee is used to combat constipation and also as a probiotic. However, not all doctors agree: some for example believe that in cases of severe diarrhea the probiotic effect does not work properly and you also risk complicating the situation. There are many properties of chicory coffee that are still not sufficiently known, it seems that it also manages to fight abdominal swelling and bloating. In any case, this drink is to be tasted but better not to abuse it: in case of particular ailments or intolerances it is better to always ask for the doctor's opinion! In any case, if you feel like trying it, run to one of the organic shops in your city or buy it on Amazon: you may find chicory coffee delicious! This product is contained in practical vacuum-packed powder packs that allow you to make your infusion in comfort and whenever you want. In the organic shops you will find different brands and different prices but with a similar taste: let yourself be advised by your trusted organic shop!
6 good reasons to drink chicory coffee and love chicory root
Chicory coffee can be drunk because you like its taste or be chosen as a herbal remedy. Like barley coffee, chicory coffee does not contain caffeine and is organic. If you use decaffeinated coffee, for example, chicory coffee could represent a good alternative. It can also be consumed before meals, has aperitif properties and increases the sense of hunger: you can therefore replace many non-alcoholic aperitifs and carbonated drinks with chicory coffee. In case of difficult digestion, it can help you because it is a gastro stimulant. Chicory coffee purifies bile juices, gall bladder, liver and kidneys. It is very useful if you have gallstones and in general after a very large meal. It is a valid diuretic and increases the excretion of urine: it therefore helps to reduce water retention and cellulite, improving the diuresis of your body. Not everyone agrees on its diuretic benefits, so much so that some doctors say chicory coffee can help increase blood pressure.
Chicory coffee has an absorbing effect on intestinal gas: it reduces the sensation of abdominal bloating, even that of nervous origin. Rich in polyphenols, ascorbic acid and vitamin C, chicory is also a good antioxidant. It should be remembered, however, that some properties of chicory as plants, due to hot infusion, are reduced. When chicory is used in drug form (roasted powder) it could have lower percentages of beneficial substances. Chicory coffee is often used for female cystitis: it is not a scientific remedy but rather a grandmother's remedy, which has been handed down for generations.
There are also some rumors related to chicory coffee, often many phytotherapeutic properties are attributed to this drink that it does not actually have, for example it has been proven that it does not lower cholesterol, as many said.
Drinking chicory coffee: contraindications and side effects of chicory root
As for the side effects, no adverse reactions are recorded after drinking this coffee. However, some individuals are allergic to the chicory plant, and clearly should not drink this coffee or take chicory in any other form. The contraindications of chicory coffee are related to its gastro stimulating effect. In case of gastritis and peptic ulcer it is better not to take this drink which could also increase gastroesophageal reflux. During pregnancy it could facilitate uterine contractions: it is always better to take it in moderation and ask your gynecologist for a preventive opinion. Furthermore, the beneficial properties of chicory coffee such as its ability to promote diuresis in some subjects with severe deficiencies in minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, could cause cramps, fatigue and lack of energy.
Let's prepare chicory coffee together: do you prepare the powder with chicory root or do it yourself?
Surely you are wondering: What does this chicory coffee taste like? Chicory has a very bitter taste, which with the roasting to which the root is subjected is remarkably close to traditional coffee, of which it represents an alternative especially for people who prefer to drink decaffeinated coffee but do not like the chemical process to which decaffeination submits the coffee powder. Let's start by saying that organic chicory is quite simple to find, search the shelves of your favorite organic shops, such as soluble chicory or roasted chicory.
To prepare a good chicory coffee, you need to make a high-temperature infusion of a dried and roasted powdered root of Chicory intybus. You can find in the organic shop a preparation (there is also a soluble formula to dissolve in hot water) similar to the coffee you drink every morning, except that it is chicory. In some organic and vegan bars in your city you can find it, but if you want to prepare it at home, get a preparation in the store and that's it. If instead of the preparation you want to make organic chicory powder yourself you will have to buy chicory roots which must then be washed with great care and dried. Cut the root into slices and dry them, either in the sun or using a dryer. At this point, once the drying process is complete, the chicory must be toasted. Use a wire rack, griddle or skillet until the chicory slices turn brown in color. You are well advanced: now pulverize everything, if you like you can use a mortar. Better to avoid the mixer because the dust would fly away. Perfect! Now you can prepare your chicory coffee, with an infuser for herbal tea and tea, or even in the classic moka you use for coffee. And if the flavor of your chicory coffee conquers you, buy a soluble preparation contained in practical disposable packs or some ready-made powdered product for mocha in specialized stores and drink it when you like as an alternative to traditional hot drinks or even as a super natural aperitif, before lunch or dinner! Who knows, maybe the taste of the dried and toasted chicory root could surprise your taste buds ... and if not, you will have taken away the curiosity to taste this decidedly trendy and American style drink!
