What is chicory? Origin and culinary use

Cichorium intybus is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Just like the daisy, the dandelion or even the artichoke. Some call it wild chicory, others bitter chicory. To our delight, there are several varieties of chicory: those with leaves, such as endive or radicchio, and those with roots. At Chicorée Leroux, we only use root chicory, also known as industrial chicory or beverage chicory, in our recipes.

Chicory (be it the plant, its leaves or its roots) was already used in ancient times by the Greeks and Egyptians. They appreciated it for its medicinal virtues and consumed it for its benefits… Today, and for more than a century, we’ve been appreciating its flavor above all.

The young leaves of Cichorium intybus can be enjoyed in salads, while the forcing-grown roots (endives) can be used in many recipes, raw or cooked (delicious in gratin!). Large roots, on the other hand, have a different future.

More than a root, a comforting drink

Big roots are used to make the hot beverages we know so well here at Leroux. A 100% plant-based, natural drink with no added sugar. In fact, it’s one of the few roots used as an infusion, in hot or cold drinks.

How did we get here? Cultivated and sown in spring, chicory roots are harvested in autumn in the plains of northern France. From there, our Cichorium intybus is put through its paces: the roots are transformed in Leroux’ s manufacturing plant in Orchies, in the North of France.
Dried, roasted, crushed, atomized: after all this roasting and transformation, we obtain chicory as we offer it to you, in all its forms. In bean or ground form, it is used and mixed directly with coffee to attenuate its taste and caffeine content. In its concentrated liquid form, it is used as a hot beverage or culinary aid (savory or sweet). In powder form, it becomes soluble and can be mixed with water or milk. Its light caramelized taste sets it apart from traditional coffee. Just like its absence of caffeine.

Caffeine-free, gluten-free, with pleasure

Cichorium intybus is naturally caffeine-free. You won’t find any stimulants inside. So, pure or as a plain hot drink, it can be enjoyed from morning till night. All beverages made from our products: Soluble Chicory, Liquid, Ground and Granulated are guaranteed caffeine-free, and have no stimulant action. Chicory and all the products in our range are gluten-free, and can be incorporated into a gluten-free diet.
Chicory is the root of a plant sown and cultivated mainly in northern France. As well as being local, the resulting beverage is 100% plant-based and natural. No added sugars, no artificial flavors, and pesticide-free cultivation for our organic range. We respect the land, the environment and the product. This is why our processing and roasting methods preserve their natural origin.
The soluble products in our range can be mixed with milk (animal or vegetable) or water. Mixed with water, they help to hydrate the body, which is good for our health. As a reminder: we need 2 liters or more a day, according to EFSA and the PNNS. Consumed with water, chicory is also low in energy.
So many reasons to eat chicory, in all its forms, even the most gourmet.