Chicory is an ancient plant which use as a food and medicinal herb. Every part of this plant has its own significance especially leaves and roots. They are widely consumed, and the roasted root is commonly used as a coffee substitute or additive. Its seeds, roots, and dried, above-ground parts are used to make medicine. The plant famous for its bitter flavor. Chicory belongs to the dandelion family and it is a flowering plant.
Chicory is a rich source of beta-carotene.
Chicory roots are rich in beneficial phytochemicals, including inulin (starch-like polysaccharide), flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, alkaloids, volatile oils, and many more. Inulin makes up to 68% of the total compounds of the chicory roots. It is a polymer of fructose and dietary fiber.
Chicory uses and benefits in various industries:
Different Type of Premium Quality of chicory
- Dried Chicory cubes (Unroasted)
- Roasted Chicory cubes
1. Dried Chicory cubes (Unroasted)
Applications: Coffee substitute, functional foods, dietary supplements.
Uses/Benefits
Physical and Chemical Specification
| Appearance | Light Yellow to Light Brown |
| Flavour | Little Bitter |
| Size | 5-10 mm cubes |
| Hardness | Slightly Crunchy |
| Moisture | Not More Than 10% |
| pH | 4.2-5.8 |
| Extractability | Minimum 75% |
Microbiological properties
| E. coli | Absent |
| Salmonella | Absent |
2. Roasted Chicory Cubes
Applications: Coffee blends, dietary supplements.
Physical and Chemical Specification
| Appearance | Brown to Dark Brown |
| Flavour | Typical Roasted Chicory |
| Moisture | Upto 7% |
| Solubility | Water Soluble with minimum sediments |
| Extractability | Not less than 75% |
| Reducing sugars | 0%-18% |
3. Roasted Chicory Granules
Applications: Coffee blends.
Physical and Chemical Specification
| Appearance | Brown color granule |
| Size | 2 mm-5 mm |
| Moisture | Upto 5% |
| Flavour | Rich roasted chicory flavor |
| Extractability | Minimum 60% |
Storage and packing
4. Roasted Chicory Powder
Applications: Coffee blends.
Physical and Chemical Specification
| Appearance | Brown color powder |
| Taste | Little bitter |
| Odor | Sweet fragrance |
| Flavour | Rich roasted chicory flavor |
| Moisture | Not More Than 10% |
| Extractability | Minimum 70% |
| pH | 5.5 – 6.5 |
Storage and packing
5. Liquid Chicory
Applications: Instant coffee, bakery, health supplements.
Physical and Chemical Specification
| Appearance | Dark Brown |
| Fragrance | Strong Chicory odor |
| Flavor | Strong chicory flavor |
| Flavour | Rich roasted chicory flavor |
| Solids | 65%-70% |
| pH | 4.0 – 5.0 |
| Reducing sugar | Not more than 30% |