Chicory has long been known as a coffee substitute. But again: if previously they drank it mainly because there was no normal coffee in our stores, now they drink it with pleasure and out of love. From the section of diabetic and dietary products coffee from chicory migrated to shelves with a “status” assortment.
The choice of drinks based on chicory is large, and in order to improve and enrich the taste, manufacturers produce instant chicory with various additives - sea buckthorn, lingonberries, blueberries, cinnamon, rose hips. There is packaged chicory - it can be brewed as tea, and there is chicory .
Polina Vlasova , build editor gastronom.ru : “I drink chicory because it has no caffeine. And together with cream and sugar, it tastes like coffee or cocoa, which I love, but due to my poor tolerance to caffeine, I can’t drink.”
Elena Ilyina , head of the naming department at Lexica : “I drank chicory before because everyone around me was talking about the benefits of the drink. I even tried to give it to my child. But chicory coffee didn’t catch on with me; it doesn’t have the same richness of taste as coffee, it doesn’t invigorate and doesn’t create a soulful atmosphere. When they started making chicory coffee with various additives, my confidence in it diminished and, sacrificing the benefits, I returned to natural coffee.”
What is chicory coffee substitute?
Chicory powder is a coffee drink similar to instant espresso. It is added to chocolate and other confectionery products, and also brewed with boiling water and drunk as an analogue of grain tonic.
A reddish-brown powder is obtained from the dried and baked root of a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, familiar to everyone, since chicory grows everywhere in fields, courtyards and forests on any, even sandy, soils. There are different types of plants - wild and cultivated for industrial purposes. Edible chicory is grown on a large scale to make a medicinal drink that is quite tasty.
For many hundreds of years, chicory has been known in folk medicine as a remedy that stimulates the liver and digestive system. Research on the drink, comparing its properties and benefits with natural coffee, is still being carried out to this day. Today, the root is considered harmless, and its main advantage is the absence of caffeine in the composition. Chicory-based drinks are included in the diet of people suffering from hypertension, acidity imbalance, as well as vegetarians.
Recipe for quick homemade chicory kvass for a 3 liter jar
It is easy and simple to prepare kvass with chicory in a 3 liter jar. The ingredients in the list are designed for just one such container. The drink turns out very tasty and invigorating.
Interesting: Smoothies prepared in a blender - 7 recipes from fruits, berries and vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2.5 liters of water
- 120 g granulated sugar (to taste)
- A packet of dry yeast (10-11 grams)
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice (0.5 tsp citric acid)
- 1 tsp. chicory
- Raisins 12 pcs.
Preparation:
In a dry glass (250 g) mix granulated sugar and chicory. Decide for yourself how much sand to add. A three-liter jar takes from 120 to 300 grams, depending on the desired sweetness of the future drink. The amount of chicory can also be changed. If you want kvass with a richer color, add a full spoon. If it’s more tender, then without the peas.
Fill the glass with the dry mixture completely with boiling water. Stir everything well until smooth.
Pour cold water into a three-liter jar - about 2.5 liters. It must be either filtered or pre-boiled
Pour the contents of the glass into the jar, add lemon juice. It, in turn, can be replaced with citric acid. We wash the raisins. We also send it to the jar. Now add the yeast and stir well so that there are no lumps of yeast
Stir everything thoroughly and cover with a plastic lid. Leave it directly on the table for 6-10 hours. The longer it stays, the more vigorous it will become.
After this we filter. There will be sediment from the yeast at the bottom, which we remove and put the kvass in the cold for a couple of hours. After that you can try it. The color will be darker the more chicory is added. Bon Appetit everyone
Contraindications
Despite the fact that the drink contains a number of healthy substances, there are contraindications and restrictions for its use. It should not be taken by people who suffer from:
- allergic manifestations;
- central nervous system disorders;
- asthma;
- diabetes.
Also, people who are losing weight should not drink kvass in uncontrolled quantities, since it contains yeast that causes fermentation.
The product may cause complications if you have venous disease or hemorrhoids.
Kvass gives strength, but do not forget that it contains a small proportion of alcohol, so it should not be given to children, pregnant women, or patients with liver and kidney diseases.
What does instant chicory taste like?
The taste of a solution of chicory root, used instead of coffee, is similar to something between herbal tea and golden-brown baked goods with a crust; it has a roasted smell with notes of bitterness and sweetness, without acid. It only vaguely resembles coffee aroma, but can replace a harmful tonic in the diet.
Chicory is drunk instead of coffee with various additives to improve taste:
- with honey and sugar;
- spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise;
- carob, cocoa or coffee;
- slices of lemon or orange;
- caramel, chocolate and nut syrup.
It is recommended to avoid combination with natural milk and give preference to plant-based options - almond, soy. You can add butter or coconut oil to your drink to enrich and enhance its medicinal properties.
Why chicory is valuable: the benefits and harms of the product
They started using chicory instead of coffee for a reason. If grain extract is prohibited for medical reasons, the beneficial properties of the field plant will help replace it and even alleviate the illness. An infusion of flowers and roots is drunk for digestive problems, to fight parasites, for anemia, and also to strengthen the immune system and nervous system. The healing effect of the root extends to many systems in the body:
- Chicory does not contain caffeine, so it does not lead to painful arousal, pressure surges and arrhythmia. It is used for hypertension, heart disease, during stress and overwork.
- Important B vitamins and microelements increase defenses and normalize metabolism, promoting the breakdown of adipose tissue.
- The composition contains inulin, a polysaccharide that regulates glucose concentration, helps control hunger, and reduce blood sugar levels. It is useful for diabetes and for weight loss.
- Chicory also stimulates liver function, bile flow, and promotes the elimination of toxins due to its bitterness.
- It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and supports the fight against parasites.
- Thanks to the iron, calcium and manganese that the plant contains, it is involved in hematopoiesis, increases hemoglobin levels, and accelerates healing processes.
- The potassium content improves kidney function and promotes the elimination of excess fluid.
- Vitamins A and C help maintain healthy blood vessels and heart.
Chicory is prepared instead of coffee or as an original infusion to normalize sleep, during a stressful period, when you need to reduce the load on the heart and nerves, during pregnancy and lactation. It is recommended for diabetes, atherosclerosis, and on diets for weight loss and cleansing the body. It has a positive effect on the health of skin and hair, maintains normal acid-base balance in the mouth, and does not destroy tooth enamel.
There is practically no harm from the root. Contraindications include:
- individual intolerance and allergy to asteraceae;
- acute diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- hypotension, varicose veins and other cardiovascular diseases associated with low blood pressure;
- renal failure.
In such cases, you should drink the drink in moderation, strictly monitoring your health.
Chicory is introduced instead of coffee into the diet of children, old people, pregnant women, during fasting, and on diets. It can also be included in sports nutrition and during an active lifestyle - it does not disrupt electrolyte metabolism, does not retain moisture in the body and does not overload the heart and muscles.
Properties of chicory
For a long time, chicory has been used as a coffee substitute.
In this capacity, it was used by those who did not have enough money to buy expensive beans of the aromatic drink at that time. In Soviet times, coffee in nutritional science - the science of food and proper nutrition - was considered almost a poison for the body. It was reported that long-term consumption contributes to the development of neuroses and leads to a lack of B vitamins. True, coffee has now been completely rehabilitated, but this is not what we are talking about now. Chicory contains many beneficial substances, including:
Inulin is a plant polysaccharide:
- removes heavy metals and radionuclides from the body;
- improves liver condition;
- strengthens the immune system;
- stimulates bone tissue growth;
- reduces hunger;
- when interacting with gastric juice, it is transformed into fructose, which is a source of energy, but, unlike glucose, does not contribute to the deposition of fat;
Pectin is a plant dietary fiber:
- stabilizes blood circulation, metabolism, digestive system;
- improves the absorption of nutrients from food;
- adsorbs and removes metabolic products and toxins from the human body;
Intibin:
- accelerates metabolic processes, thereby preventing an increase in fat reserves;
- improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation.
In addition, chicory root is rich in vitamins E, A, C, B1, PP, B2, and microelements, including potassium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and sodium.
You are reading https://islimnow.ru/tea/kak-prinimat-cikorij-dlya-poxudeniya.html It contains saccharides, proteins, resins, tannins and essential oils.
Which is healthier: real coffee or chicory?
Many people wonder whether root extract can replace coffee in terms of health benefits and how they differ from chicory. The main difference is the presence of caffeine and theobromine in sweet beans, while they are not present in the field plant. Otherwise, the composition does not make much difference: chicory contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, vitamins B, A, C and PP, as well as bitter and tannin compounds.
Coffee is distinguished by a soft, non-herbaceous bitterness, noble shades of chocolate, nuts and fruits in the flavor and aromatic bouquet, pronounced sourness and thickness. Chicory does not have such an organoleptic palette - it is almost completely dissolved in water, does not leave sediment or a long aftertaste.
The main differences between the drinks are:
- coffee raises blood pressure and stimulates the heart, has an antioxidant effect, promotes concentration, improves body odor;
- chicory - relaxes and dilates blood vessels, fights parasites, stimulates the liver;
- both drinks support the excretory system, normalize acidity, and promote bodily cleansing.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which is better: coffee or a drink made from chicory; they are not equivalent in their properties and are noticeably different. Doctors advise alternating both drinks in your menu and taking into account individual indications. If, due to the condition of the patient’s liver or kidneys, a chicory drink is not suitable, they offer cereal options or carob.
How to make homemade chicory kvass with dry yeast and citric acid
A rich and refreshing drink made from chicory. On a hot summer day, this is a real lifesaver. It’s very easy to prepare and can be served very quickly.
Ingredients:
- 3 liters of cold water + a glass of boiling water
- 5-10 grams of dry yeast (depending on how rich and tart kvass you want)
- 200 grams of granulated sugar
- Teaspoon crystalline citric acid
- A tablespoon of natural instant chicory (possible with additives)
Interesting: Compote of Isabella grapes for the winter with apples
Preparation:
Pour half a glass of boiling water into a bowl. Mix granulated sugar, chicory and acid here. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to taste. After all, some people like kvass sweeter, but others don’t. Chicory determines the color of the drink. Therefore, you can add more of it if you want to get a more saturated color of kvass. Stir the mixture until smooth
Pour cool filtered or pre-boiled water into a three-liter jar or other container. Stir our hot mixture here
If the mass turns out to be too hot, then it needs to be cooled, otherwise the yeast will not act. Add yeast to a jar of kvass
Stir them in warm liquid until completely dissolved. Now you can cover the dishes with a lid.
Leave in a warm place for about 5-6 hours. When foam forms on the surface, you can pour it into plastic bottles or leave it in a jar. But it needs to be put in the refrigerator
After cooling, we will serve and try!
Cautions
It is not advisable to make your own drink from crushed root, since some varieties may not be edible. It is better to buy a ready-made “coffee substitute” or grow cultivated types of grass on your site.
You should not abuse chicory instead of strong coffee. You can drink 4-6 cups per day, which is approximately equal to 2 servings of espresso. If the drink is drunk every day, then it is undesirable to exceed the dose of 3-4 servings. It is also important how much raw material is taken per cup - you should not exceed the limit of 1-2 teaspoons.
Excessive consumption can cause nausea, heartburn, low blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, diuretic effect, pain in the gall bladder, and general malaise.
To understand how many calories are in a drink, you need to:
- count the number of spoons of sugar - 20-25 kcal in one;
- add the calorie content of used milk - approximately 10 kcal in 20 ml of cow's milk;
- take into account other additives - syrups, oils.
Chicory itself contains only 11 kcal per 100 g of dry raw material, so you can ignore it when calculating - there will be no harm to your figure.
Chicory cappuccino
Chicory brewed without coffee in a Turk may not be to your liking. That's why many people prefer a cappuccino recipe that uses a healthy alternative instead of coffee as a base. The recipe will also be relevant for children who do not want to drink coffee.
Chicory cappuccino is sweet and soft, with a pleasant aroma. The recipe will require a blender and will take about 15 minutes to prepare.
Place sugar - 50 g, chicory powder - 50 g, cold water - 50 g and cardamom - 5 g into the blender. The order of the components should not be changed. You need to beat for about 3 minutes. You should have the consistency of condensed milk, with fluffy foam. Place 2 teaspoons of this mixture in a coffee cup.
Root collection period
If you grow chicory purposefully, then sow the crop at the end of May. The soil is loosened and a depression is made. Between rows you need to maintain a distance of 35 - 40 cm, and between seeds - 15 cm.
Before seeds germinate, watering and weed removal are carried out. If the soil dries out, it is loosened. In order for chicory to develop better, you can water the soil with a complex fertilizer consisting of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. After a month, fertilizing is repeated. This amount is enough for the root system to develop well.
You can dig up rhizomes from mid-September. To do this, choose dry weather. It is better to use a pitchfork so as not to damage the roots with the tip of the shovel. At this point, it is recommended to prepare seedlings for seeds. For this:
- are selected .
- Treat with a solution of potassium permanganate, then dry.
- Place in a box with sand, which will be in a cool room - preferably in a cellar.
Seedlings are planted in March.
Video: Harvesting chicory from digging to brewing
In July you can start harvesting stems, leaves and flowers. They are cut and laid out to dry in a well-ventilated place with moderate humidity. You can check readiness by breaking the shoots. If they crumble easily, you can grind and pack the raw materials in a clothes bag.
Interesting recipes: how to brew chicory instead of coffee
If you can’t use coffee brew or don’t want to spend money, it is replaced with “golden root”. Here's how to make chicory coffee - basic recipe:
- take 1.5 tsp. dry raw materials per cup 200 ml;
- pour boiling water over it;
- Stir thoroughly and leave for 6-10 minutes.
After settling, the drink becomes better and tastier; there is no need to boil the mixture. When pouring warm and cool water, you need to infuse longer and stir the liquid. If you take chicory barley, you can increase the portion to 2 tablespoons, since the pure root is more bitter, and the cereal drink turns out softer and more aromatic - the difference is noticeable. Adding grains does not detract from the benefits of the infusion.
Additives to chicory prepared instead of coffee
Lovers of healthy drinking can add any additives to their portions:
- Diabetics and those on a weight loss diet are allowed to use honey - ½ or a whole spoon per cup.
- If regular sugar is not enough, the cane version will improve the flavor, and caramel topping or burnt sugar syrup will also work.
- You can diversify the aroma with cocoa powder, carob, chocolate syrup, nut liqueur, and vanilla extract.
- For special gourmets, there is an option with spices: cinnamon, nutmeg - on the tip of a spoon, lemon or orange zest (you can take 1-2 drops of essential oil), cardamom - 1 box or even half a cup.
- You can soften the texture and extinguish the bitterness with creamy ingredients. Experts recommend plant-based milk - made from almonds, soy, and wheat.
The proportions - how much of what to take - are chosen according to taste. If you focus on coffee, instead of which chicory is chosen, all doses should be slightly smaller, since the “golden root” is not so thick and intense in strength.
Root coffee with burnt sugar (caramelized syrup) is considered the most beneficial combination among other warm cocktails.
How to make an invigorating shot
Many people have heard that chicory is used instead of coffee, but not everyone knows that both components can be combined. For better aroma, you can sprinkle the portion with a pinch of ground coffee or make a mix of instant ingredients. This will reduce the strength and prevent the drink from increasing blood pressure too much, but will give it an invigorating effect. You can drink this infusion 2-4 times a day, depending on your health condition.
Chicory goes well with baked goods and fruit desserts, it can be drunk at any time of the day - for breakfast or an afternoon snack it will help tone the body, at lunch and dinner it will support digestion and will not interfere with sleep.
Try something new - the difference in taste may turn out to be insignificant, and the improvement in well-being will be a pleasant incentive to add chicory to your menu.
Recipe for delicious chicory kvass from a 5-liter outdoor barrel
A simple recipe for a delicious and refreshing drink. Easy and quick to prepare
Ingredients:
- 5 liters of clean water
- 400 grams of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant chicory powder
- Teaspoon of citric acid
- A teaspoon of peppermint tincture (can be purchased at the pharmacy)
- 11 grams dry yeast
- Mint leaves or raisins, optional
Preparation:
Pour water into the pan. Add granulated sugar, chicory and citric acid here. Add peppermint and stir the contents thoroughly. Place on the stove and turn on the heat. At the first sign of boiling, immediately remove from heat. No need to boil
Then cool the future kvass to about 30 degrees.
As soon as the contents of the pan have cooled, pour the yeast into it. But you cannot add them to hot liquid, otherwise they will not work. They'll just boil
Interesting: Coffee - benefits and harms for the human body
Mix everything well. There should be no yeast lumps left.
We pour our kvass into a decanter or plastic bottles
Place pure mint or raisins in each container. You can put it all together.
Stir and leave in a warm place for 4-6 hours for the yeast to start working. Foam and vigor will appear on top in the taste. Let it cool and you can drink!
Chicory salad and its photo
The classic salad chicory, which is called witloof in Europe, has smooth, dense, crunchy leaves, they form a small pointed head (“chicon”) and have a refreshing bitter taste. Moreover, the greener the leaves, the stronger the bitterness. Chicory lettuce is forced and bleached for an early spring harvest. You can grow red chicory, called redicchio, and non-forcing varieties for use in mid to late winter. Look at the chicory salad in the photos presented on this page:
Store chicory in black plastic bags in the refrigerator to keep it away from light, which can increase bitterness. Use the buds as soon as possible, but they may still sit for a few days. Varieties not intended for forcing last a little longer.
