What is Chicory? by Linda Sanders of Desserts-by-Design
  In the world of coffee, chicory is the roasted and ground root of the cultivated plant species, Chicorium Intybus, subspecies Sativum. Common names include
'large rooted chicory' and 'chicoree a café'.
  Coffee chicory is grown in many parts of the world, with the largest producers in France and South Africa. The root is grown and harvested much like sugar beets. They are pulled from the ground with specialized equipment, cut into small pieces, kiln dried, roasted, ground and packaged. High concentrations of the
carbohydrate inulin are caramelized during roasting and converted into d-fructose (fruit sugar). Chicory also contains between 4 and 6 percent protein and a small
quantity of fiber.
  The caramelized fruit-sugar gives chicory its distinctive dark brown color while
increasing sweetness and reducing the bitterness that is characteristic of the raw root. Roasted chicory contains none of the volatile oils and aromatics that are contained in roasted coffee. It also contains no caffeine. It does however yield 45 to 65% of soluble extractive matter, while coffee yields only 20 to 25%. This difference explains why less coffee and chicory can be brewed while still resulting in a beverage that looks (and tastes) quite strong.
  Commercially available coffee chicory is not derived from the root of the endive plant. Endive is the sister species Chicorium Endivia, popularly known as the salad green 'escarole' or 'curly endive'. The root of Chicorium Endivia has undoubtedly been used in the past as a coffee substitute.

Chicory and Health
  Chicory has been thought to have medicinal qualities for over 5000 years. What follows is a listing of some of the reputed health benefits of chicory. Whether
historical or current, please be aware that we are neither endorsing nor reputing any of these claims. We just think they are pretty interesting.

-Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used it as a liver tonic, sedative and appetite stimulant.

-The fresh root has been said to be useful against pulmonary consumption. A decoction of 1 oz of root to a pint of boiling water has been found to be effective
against jaundice and liver enlargement.

-Syrup of chicory is said to be an excellent laxative for children since it works without irritation.

-Ancient herbalists considered the bruised leaves to make a good poultice for swelling and inflamed eyes.

-Modern herbalists say chicory increases bile production, moderates a rapid heart rate, lowers cholesterol and destroys bacteria.

-A recent Korean study indicates that chicory reduces cholesterol levels and increases the ratio of HDL (the good stuff) to LDL (the bad stuff) in the blood of tested animals.

-A Belgian study showed chicory ingredients are also helpful in preventing osteoporosis as shown in humans, while so far they have been tested in animals with beneficial results "in the prevention and inhibition of colon and breast cancer."

Desserts by Design - A New Orleans Style Coffee House serving specialty coffees, teas, smoothies. Jazz, Poetry, Book signings & Private parties and Catering. Menu includes: Gumbo, Jambalaya, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches, Sidewalk BBQ weekends. 4336 South Street, Lakewood, CA 90712
Bus: (562) 602-1323
visit our website: www.desserts-by-design.com

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