Chicory - Leroux

Chicory Leroux instant chicory beverage contains 100% chicory. It is usually prepared with milk or water and is drunk hot or cold and either pure or mixed with coffee.

From the highest antiquity, Egyptians and Greeks cultivated this plant - of the same family as endives - for its medicinal, digestive and depurative (detoxifying) virtues. Until the 16th century, chicory was produced exclusively for these purposes.

At the beginning of the 13th century, with the appearance in Holland of large-scale roasting, chicory became a common consumer product and at the dawn of the revolution its consumption was, in Europe, comparable to that of coffee.

The famous continental blockade imposed on Napoleon by the English - and therefore the shortage of coffee - made chicory a must in the home. During the two world wars, the shortage of coffee also led to the consumption of chicory.

Far from being a simple coffee substitute, chicory has since largely conquered its letters of nobility with its fine and delicate taste, between hazelnut and caramel. If its use is very common in coffee-based drinks, it has also considerably well known in cooking, especially in the north of France.

Sown in April, the chicory roots are harvested in October; cut into strips, they become "cossettes" which will be roasted and crushed to give the chicory we know, ready to eat. The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is the world leader in chicory production with more than 95% of the French production!

As a substitute for coffee, it is a tasty drink free of caffeine. This richness in fiber makes it the digestive and depurative drink par excellence!

In terms of taste, chicory has been integrated into regional cuisine and chefs have taken advantage of its bitter-sweet taste. Whether as an appetizer, main course or dessert, chicory is available in a variety of ways! Easy to use in its liquid or soluble form, it is naturally present in any self-respecting kitchen! Chicory is perfect for example to enhance a dish, because it is a natural taste enhancer.

 Net weight : 200g / 7,05 Oz