It’s thought that the coffee mixed with chicory concoction probably began in Holland and spread across other parts of Europe in the 1800s. Chicory root has traditionally been used in tea or in medicinal remedies to treat issues like jaundice, liver enlargement, gout and rheumatism. Some of the potential chicory root benefits include reduced stress, decreased inflammation and better gut health. It may also help protect the liver, promote blood sugar control and help manage osteoarthritis. Hoffmann, L.; Besseau, S.; Geoffroy, P.; Ritzenthaler, C.; Meyer, D.; Lapierre, C.; Pollet, B.; Legrand, M. Silencing of hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme A shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase affects phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Plant. Cell 2004, 16, 1446–1465. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef][ Green Version] Finally, inulin from chicory root can be extracted and made into supplements that are widely available online or at health stores. summary Stanciu, G.; Rotariu, R.; Popescu, A.; Tomescu, A. Phenolic and Mineral Composition of Wild Chicory Grown in Romania. Rev. Chim. 2019, 70, 1173–1177. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef]

In fact, chicory root was often used in times of shortages of coffee and was even used in prisons to help stretch out the coffee supply. Acorns and beets were later used in place of coffee as well. However, chicory had a more similar flavor profile, making it a much better and more cost-effective match. Boerjan, W.; Ralph, J.; Baucher, M. Lignin biosynthesis. Annu. Rev. Plant Biol. 2003, 54, 519–546. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Zheleva-Dimitrova, D.; Gevrenova, R.; Zaharieva, M.M.; Najdenski, H.; Ruseva, S.; Lozanov, V.; Balabanova, V.; Yagi, S.; Momekov, G.; Mitev, V. HPLC-UV and LC–MS Analyses of Acylquinic Acids in Geigeriaalata (DC) Oliv. &Hiern. and their Contribution to Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Capacity. Phytochem. Anal. 2017, 28, 176–184. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed]

Is chicory FDA approved?

Pradal, D.; Vauchel, P.; Decossin, S.; Dhulster, P.; Dimitrov, K. Integrated extraction-adsorption process for selective recovery of antioxidant phenolics from food industry by-product. Chem. Eng. Process.-Process Intensif. 2018, 127, 83–92. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef]

Mascherpa, D.; Carazzone, C.; Marrubini, G.; Gazzani, G.; Papetti, A. Identification of Phenolic Constituents in Cichorium endivia Var. crispum and Var. latifolium Salads by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection and Electrospray Ioniziation Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2016, 60, 12142–12150. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Do you love your morning of cup of nutrition-rich coffee but find yourself worried about a caffeine overdose? Chicory root may be just the answer you’re looking for.

Chicory is especially attractive as a cash crop since it can reach more than 62tha −1 under favourable conditions. Inulin content can reach on average 15% of root fresh weight and a yield of 8tha −1 of inulin is achievable [ 67]. The USA imports more than 2.3 million kilograms of chicons and 1.9 million kilograms of roasted chicory roots for coffee according to 2002 US Department of Commerce tariff and trade data [ 61]. Numerous studies have focused on different cultivation aspects of chicory. Chicory is considered one of the most important sources of inulin since it has a high root yield potential and also a high root sugar content [ 68]. A high root yield, a high inulin content, and especially long inulin chains are preferred [ 69]. Short chain inulin is used for the production of fructose syrup used in sweetening of cold drinks whereas long chain inulin is used as fat replacer and foam stabilizer in food products and also in the production of carboxymethyl inulin [ 2]. The effect of fertilizers on the growth, development, and yield of chicory has been well studied. In general, increase of nitrogen (N) increases the growth and ultimately the yield, although a high application of N has a negative effect on especially some of the amino acids. Increased N application at levels of 200kgNha −1 leads to a decrease in amino acids such as threonine and valine with a pronounced decreased effect on methionine. A level of 100kgNha −1 is preferred for enhanced quality [ 70]. In terms of phosphorous (P), it has been established that chicory has at least two inherent patterns of response to low or zero P conditions. One pattern is the classical increase in the length of the smallest diameter roots in response to P deficient conditions. The second pattern is a significant decrease in root tissue density under low P conditions [ 71]. It has also been investigated as a suitable catch crop since it has the ability to withdraw N, especially nitrate, from the soil, thereby reducing potential leaching. Additionally, it can withstand competition, has a slow juvenile development and vigorous growth after harvest of the main crop, is frost- and winter-hardy, has a well-developed root system, and does not transmit pathogens or pests to other crops [ 72]. Canopy closure in chicory is advantageous and critical for yield and can be achieved by a larger supply of assimilates to the shoot [ 73]. Papetti, A.; Daglia, M.; Gazzani, G. Anti- and pro-oxidant activity of water soluble compounds in Cichoriumintybus var. silvestre (Treviso red chicory). J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2002, 30, 939–945. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Marteau P, Jacobs H, Cazaubiel M, Signoret C, Prevel JM, Housez B. Effects of chicory inulin in constipated elderly people: a double-blind controlled trial. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2011;62(2):164-70. View abstract.