What is chicory? Origin and culinary uses

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 great 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 the root variety, also known as industrial chicory or drinking chicory, in our recipes.

Chicory (whether 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 have appreciated its flavour 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, both raw and cooked (delicious in gratins!). 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 drinks 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 processed at the Leroux manufacturing plant in Orchies, in the North of France.
Dried, roasted, crushed, atomised: after all this roasting and processing, we obtain the chicory we offer 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 in hot drinks or as a culinary aid (savoury or sweet). In powdered form, it becomes soluble and can be mixed with water or milk. Its light caramel 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 the beverages made from our products: natural, liquid, ground and granulated chicory are guaranteed caffeine-free, and have no stimulating effect. 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 drink is 100% plant-based and natural. No added sugars, no artificial flavours, and pesticide-free cultivation for our organic range. We respect the land, the environment and the product. Our processing and roasting methods preserve the natural origin of the product.

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. Remember: we need 2 litres or more a day, according to the 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 indulgent.