The Origins and Grandeur of Chicory Coffee

People rarely think of the origins of coffee as something that comes from times of war and strife. But, the blend of chicory root and coffee is just that.

It starts with coffee.

Once Americans became fed up with British tea taxes (Boston Tea Party - 1773), they turned to coffee and began to develop a taste for it. This allowed the coffee culture that was already booming in European countries to take hold and spread throughout the colonies. By 1840, New Orleans, Louisiana, would be the second largest coffee import in the United States (Smithsonian Magazine). 

Blending chicory root and coffee.

The blending of chicory and coffee gained popularity in France during the 19th century when Napoleon initiated a trade blockade that would cause a major coffee shortage. While coffee was largely unavailable, chicory root was. The French began to mix roasted chicory root with their coffee in hopes that it would help to stretch their coffee supply. Some replaced coffee with chicory root entirely.

Back in America, Chicory Coffee wouldn’t take hold until the American Civil War (1861-1865). A Union naval blockade would cut off the New Orleans port, rendering coffee difficult to find. In an attempt to stretch what they had, people again blended chicory root with their coffee beans. 

Chicory root is naturally caffeine free, so it didn’t create the same buzz as coffee, but was able to create similar flavors as regular coffee (Smithsonian Magazine and Community Coffee). It maintained a lot of the same smoky, earthy flavors that strong, dark black coffee typically had.

The Future

Even after the port was reopened, many Lousianians kept the practice of drinking chicory root with their coffee! This is still most popular in New Orleans where certain cafes cater their menus to the chicory coffee blend. 

If you are in New Orleans, be sure to check out the famous Cafe Du Monde and then find yourself a cup of French Market coffee.

We will be profiling both of these coffee brands this month so stick around to see what we thought of their timeless blends. 

Cheers!

Mrs. Brew

Fun Fact: French Market Coffee has been operating since 1890 and Cafe Du Monde has been operating since 1862.