Chicory Coffee with Schisandra & Gingko

Brew & Taste

Chicory coffee is known for its rich, earthy flavor, which is often reminiscent of nuts. It has a slightly sweet undertone, its consistency is usually smooth, and it may also have a mildly spicy tinge. Because it's caffeine-free, it is a popular alternative to traditional coffee for those who want to avoid the effects of this stimulant or are sensitive to caffeine. The resulting beverage is smooth and refreshing and while it will give you energy for the day, you don't need to worry about sleepless nights.

Origins

Chicory coffee is classified as a so-called coffee substitute, that is a coffee-like drink without any caffeine. People have historically used them for economic and health reasons, because of asceticism in some religious societies, or simply because coffee was not available. They were popular in Europe during both world wars when coffee was in short supply or at too high a price. Coffee also became a crucial commercial item, especially during the development of instant drinks in the 1970s. They are used not only as an alternative to coffee for those who avoid it but also in some kitchens. In Korea, for example, coffee substitutes are as common as coffee or tea. In addition to chicory, coffee can also be made from almonds, acorns, corn, dandelion root, peas or even cereal grains.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial herb with a stiff stem growing up to 1m. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. The flowers of the chicory, which bloom from July to October, are usually bright blue and 3-4cm wide, but can also come in othrr shades, from white to pale pink. The plant is widespread around roadsides, fields, meadows, forests and hillsides. With the exception of Antarctica and Greenland, it thrives almost worldwide. This herb contains many beneficial elements, which can contribute to normal liver and gallbladder function, healthy intestinal tract, heart and blood vessel function, as well as bone and joint health.

The second ingredient in Chicory Coffee is Schisandra chinensis, a deciduous vine in the family Schisandraceae. It's native to east Asia, in particular northern Japan, Koreas and easters borders of Russia. It has alternate leaves and whitish flowers and grows up to 10m. The red berries are edible, and the plant has medicinal uses, especially due to its content of adaptogenic schizandrin substances, it is also rich in vitamin C and organic acids. Consumption of schisandra promotes normal liver function.

This special blend also contains ginkgo biloba. It is a dioecious, deciduous tree, which is characterized by its long life – the oldest known specimen is approximately 4,700 years old. The tree can reach a height of 30-40m and has a large crown with grey, furrowed bark and horizontally spaced branches. As for the health benefits of its leaves, let us add that they promote mental balance, blood microcirculation, cognitive function and brain activity.

Coffee packaging preview

Our quality aluminum packaging lacks any bold graphics, as we’d rather focus on the taste of our coffee. It always comes fresh thanks to degassing valve, which releases the gases that occur after roasting. Thanks to the hermetic seal, this container helps the contents further keep their freshness and protect them against humidity, light or foreign odors.