It is believed that chicory coffee originated during the massive coffee shortage in Frances in the 1800s when people, desperate for their coffee fix, began using chicory root as a substitute.
As well as being naturally caffeine free, chicory also contains manganese and vitamin B6, which is essential for brain health.
Chicory (Cicorium intybus) is known by a variety of common names including succory, blue dandelion and coffee weed. Chicory is also another common name for endive (Cicorium endivia).
Its blue flowers bloom throughout the summer, and autumn is the best time to dig up and use the roots.
The chicory root powder mentioned below can be made from scratch, but it takes time to dig up, slice, dry, roast, and grind the roots, so you may wish to buy the root powder.