What it chicory? I `ve seen it before and wondered.
Its from the root of the chicory plant, very similar to a dandelion.
It's a acquired taste I dont care for, it's bitter I think. Very strong, in New Orleans they blend it with regular coffee and brew it up STRONG, did I mention its brewed strong? Often enjoyed with a Beignets with 10 lbs of powered sugar on top and it dosnt matter if its 50* or 100* you will see the tourist at cafe du monde lapping it up.
Quite right. Chicory was used as a way to conserve the use of coffee and lower the cost. I'm not sure how far it goes back in history, but during war-time rationing, chicory blended coffee was way to get more for your $$ by extending the monthly ration allowance. People got used to the taste and there is now quite a following for this beverage -- myself included. Community Coffee, in all it's offerings, is a true New Orleans tradition and well worth a few bucks to try some of their choices. I prefer the French roast, Mocha, and Chicory blends - I make it strong and enjoy it both in the mornings and afternoons.
To make it extra strong and tasty, my wife takes the course ground blend out of the bag and grinds it to an extra fine powder using a small electric coffee grinder, then brews it up in a french press -- it's almost like a good Italian espresso, but Cajun style.
