Chicory has been around for thousands of years and has become a staple in New Orleans for an added ingredient to coffee! I love the dark roast Café Du Monde coffee from NOLA, brewed from my favorite French press (see proper directions below post on how to use French Press for Café Du Monde)! Dark roast coffee is combined perfectly with chicory to make a flavorful and enjoyable brew. The actual chicory root has many beneficial nutrients and can be used as a substitute for coffee (caffeine free). Chicory comes from the root of the endive leaf and has an earthy and a somewhat nutty flavor. It grows abundantly on roadsides and contains many therapeutic properties.

Chicory helps digestion; prevents heartburn; reduces arthritis pain; helps detoxify the liver and gall bladder; prevents the formation of kidney stones; strengthens the immune system; reduces the likelihood of heart disease. Chicory is a natural sedative (calming) means the use of chicory helps with weight loss. Is there anything that this root cannot do? I will cover three properties that chicory is best known for – detox of the liver, digestion, and weight loss.

DETOX OF THE LIVER

The ancient Romans ate grass chicory in large quantities in order to purify the blood. The Egyptians also used the chicory root to cleanse the blood and liver.

Chicory root not only cleanses the liver, but it provides support for liver function. In one of the Egyptian universities, they have come to the conclusion that chicory helps stop oxidative stress and damage to the liver cells. Its primary benefits are that it both protects the liver and supports the breakdown of fats by increasing the flow of bile.

Chicory is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Chicory is rich in zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, C, E and K.

DIGESTION

The use of chicory roots can provide functional support to the digestive reactions in the body. Chicory root stimulates the secretion of bile, which eases the process of digestion. Bile breaks down fats so chicory helps to achieve the structure of the blood. If you want to improve the condition of the liver and gallbladder, try replacing your coffee with chicory based drinks. Ground chicory root can be made into a hot beverage, just as coffee, but without the caffeine! Taste is a bit similar to coffee due to the nutty and earthy aroma.

Steep 1 tablespoon of roasted chicory root in a large cup/mug for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with your fave sweetener and/ or add steamed milk of choice. This makes a great alternative to coffee with the added nutrients.

Be sure to check with your doctor, especially if you suffer from gallstones (cholelithiasis).

Chicory root contains a substance called inulin. Inulin is a soluble fiber that feeds the digestive flora in the intestines. In addition, inulin is a probiotic. Inulin is found in many plants, but chicory root has the highest concentration. The quality of the microflora in the intestines has ability to improve digestion. Inulin increases the removal of toxins from the body.

WEIGHT LOSS

Chicory promotes weight loss and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also facilitates adjustment of ghrelin production – ghrelin is an amino acid. It is produced when we experience the feeling of hunger. By reducing the amount of ghrelin, chicory will help reduce the likelihood of overeating and increase the feeling of satiety. This can reduce weight!

Many herbs are rich in antioxidants. Chicory is also a rich source of antioxidants (polyphenols), which has a positive impact on the health of the cardiovascular system.

Contraindications

Chicory is not advisable to use for pregnant or nursing mothers, as well as people suffering from gallstones, pollen allergies ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, etc.

Café Du Monde (Coffee with Chicory) – French Press Style

1. Boil filtered water between 195 – 200 degrees F. You can use an instant read thermometer to test the temperature of water after turning off the pot. Temperature and filtration of water is important when using a French press to ensure the best taste. If water over boils the desired temperature, just wait a minute for it to cool off.

2. Use one rounded tablespoon of coffee for each eight oz. of water. My French press holds 34 oz. of water. Please note- traditionally speaking, it is recommended to use two tbsp. of coffee per eight oz. of water; however, Café Du Monde is a very strong, dark roast. Therefore, I use less coffee ratio per cup water. In addition, French press utilizes coarse grind of coffee for use. Café Du Monde comes already pre-ground and is compatible with the press.

3. After placing the coffee into a clean and dry press, slowly add hot, boiled water to the top (right before the silver round). Stir with a wooden stick until no coffee grounds are visible.

4. Place the lid on the press and leave the plunger upright. Typically, 3-5 minutes is a rule of thumb for timing on when to plunge down. However, I wait for 7 minutes, and very slowly plunge down while holding the lid with my other hand. Don’t let the coffee sit in the pot, it will actually keep brewing.

5. Pour the fresh coffee into a mug or cup and enjoy with some cream, sweetener of choice, or straight black! Or make it Café Au Lait: 50% coffee, 50% steamed milk.

Enjoy!

Purchase the famous Cafe du Monde (coffee with chicory)/ or the organic chicory root in bulk (caffeine and coffee free) below.

Have you tried Coffee with Chicory?