Chicory coffee: The caffeine-free enjoyment alternative from the region!

Chicory coffee: The caffeine-free enjoyment alternative from the region!

In picturesque Burgsteinfurt, a small town in Münsterland, everything currently revolves around chicory and its popular coffee. During the “Days of Gardens and Parks” Marleen Elftmann prepares chicory coffee in a lovingly prepared garden. To do this, she puts a heaped teaspoon of the brown powder into an espresso cup and pours hot water over it. Curiosity is great when she gives Helmut Schlieckmann and his wife a freshly made chicory coffee. Both are surprised at how close the taste is to that of real coffee and are enthusiastic: “We can easily imagine this as a regular treat,” says Schlieckmann.

But what exactly is chicory coffee?

Chicory: More than just a coffee substitute

Chicory coffee, also known as chicory root coffee, is made from the roots of the common chicory. This caffeine-free drink is particularly suitable for people who are sensitive to caffeine. Over the course of history, especially in times of war, chicory coffee established itself as a cost-effective alternative to conventional coffee beans. Preparation is extremely simple: pour hot water or plant milk over 1-2 teaspoons of the fine powder and let it steep for a few minutes. A dash of cinnamon or plant-based milk can further refine the taste experience, experts report.

What makes this coffee so special? In addition to being caffeine-free, chicory coffee offers a variety of health benefits. It contains important nutrients such as inulin, bitter substances and potassium. According to Top-Kaffee, the bitter substances can promote digestion and support general health. Chicory coffee also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can strengthen the immune system.

Ecological and tasty

Another plus point is the better ecological balance of chicory coffee compared to conventional coffee. Chicory grows regionally in Central Europe and requires less water and care. While coffee cultivation is often associated with high resource consumption and harmful pesticides, the cultivation of chicory is generally less problematic. The chicory plant is considered to be robust against diseases and vermin, which makes the use of pesticides unnecessary, as the [Utopia](https://utopia.de/ratgeber/zichorienkaffee-contentsstoffe-effekt-und-wie-du-ihn-zu preparest_173355/) explain.

At a time when sustainability and health are very important, chicory coffee could be a real alternative for many. And at an exciting event like the “Days of Gardens and Parks” in Burgsteinfurt, you not only get to know new tastes, but also how to consciously interact with nature - in the spirit of a healthy lifestyle.