It seemed almost a remnant of war or, at any rate, a legacy of ancient times. Chicory coffee, in fact, was a widely used drink in the peasant diet of our grandparents and during the war, as classic coffee had become unavailable or too expensive.

In recent years, the drink made from the roots of Chicorium intybus (a wild plant found in several Italian regions) is experiencing a second youth, linked to the many beneficial effects it has on the body. Let’s discover them all and then, most importantly, let’s see how chicory coffee is prepared.

Beneficial effects of chicory coffee: many virtues

It is certainly a “light” alternative to traditional coffee, being caffeine-free. But not only that: apparently, it is really good for your health. There are, in fact, many virtues of chicory coffee:

• It promotes digestion.
• It is a panacea for the liver: It promotes detoxification of the blood.
• It helps the intestines and the immune system.
• Counteracts the effect of free radicals: a natural antioxidant, thanks to the presence of polyphenols.
• Its fiber content makes this drink an excellent laxative and, at the same time, is a great help for diabetics in regulating blood sugar. This is also because it contains no sugar.
• Instead, it contains lots of iron, which is perfect for those suffering from anemia.

How to prepare chicory coffee

Is chicory coffee hard to come by? No: you can find it without problems in herbalist shops, for sure. But also in supermarkets and online.

Well, now that we also know where to buy it, it’s time to find out how to prepare chicory coffee. 

You can choose between two different ways:

Using the mocha and filling only half of the filter, somewhat like you do when preparing barley coffee, then waiting for the drink to “come out” after placing the mocha on the stove over a low flame.

The alternative is to prepare a decoction. So, in this case, simply pour cold water and a few tablespoons of chicory (about 30 g) into a saucepan, bringing everything to a boil for a couple of minutes. Then strain through a strainer before serving. You could also flavor the drink with a cinnamon stick or honey.

The chicory coffee is ready! While you’re savoring its taste (quite similar to that of classic coffee), find out a few tips on how to eat a healthy breakfast at the café-this will make it easier to fuel yourself in a healthy way right from the morning and even outside the home.