If you spend time with coffee snobs, you can never escape the chicory-coffee debate. To many, chicory is some inferior product that is used to dilute real coffee. But, is that true?
Personally, I just don’t understand all the fuss about chicory and coffee. Why are people talking about chicory as if it is some coffee’s poor cousin?
Over time, I discovered that most people do not really know what chicory is, and some have never seen the chicory plant or they have seen it but didn’t know what it was.
What is chicory? According to the Agribook.co.za, chicory (cichorium intybus) is a member of the sunflower family, which produces large tapered roots that are dried, ground and used as a coffee substitute or supplement.
Chicory grows for seven or eight months before being harvested and defoliated. It is prebiotic (it helps cleanse the body of toxins and aids in the removal of harmful bacteria in the digestive system) and also has a soothing effect on the nervous system.
It is widely used in beverages as a blend with coffee and as an ingredient in pet food and breakfast cereals. Chicory endives can also be used in salads.
Historically, chicory was first introduced into South Africa for commercial use in 1895 in the Eastern Cape and the bulk of South Africa’s chicory is still grown there.
Chicory South Africa in Alexandria, Eastern Cape, buys harvested chicory root from farmers, dries, roasts and sells it to companies such as Nestlé International and National Brands for the production of blended coffee and chicory beverages.
Via continuous research into optimal production methods, the Chicory Producers’ Association of South Africa preserves the high quality of locally produced chicory. The Association focuses on shifts in regulation, and stays up to date with industry developments and opportunities.
South Africa produces between 18 000 and 20 000 tons of chicory each year and the chicory industry is a major employer in the country.
Armed with facts, the next time you meet coffee snobs, have a cup of chicory and don’t give a hoot about what they say.
– Mokgokong Mokgethi
