Quality rating of chicory. Useful properties of chicory and methods of its preparation

Chicory, or rather its root, has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The positive properties of a medicinal plant are manifested in relation to some diseases. Many people who cannot drink coffee have replaced it with a drink that uses chicory to make it. Reviews indicate that it can be used to lose extra pounds without harm to health. A useful drink will also be for expectant mothers. You can use chicory only if there are no contraindications.

What is chicory?

Chicory belongs to the Asteraceae family and is perennial plant with bright blue flowers. It can be found in wastelands, along roadsides. Among the people, the plant is known as the "king-root" for its many-sided positive effect on the human body.

The composition of the plant is as follows:

• pectin;
• inulin;
• choline;
• vitamins (A, B, C, E);
• trace elements (potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium);
• carotene;
• tannins;
• mineral salts;
• organic acids;
• gum.

Around the world, chicory root is used to make a drink that tastes like coffee. However, such a drink has much more useful properties and does not have an exciting effect on nervous system. To do this, the roots of the plant are dried, crushed and fried until golden brown. In the future, the powder will be packaged and sent to store shelves. Chicory leaves are used for food.

The benefits of chicory

The root of the plant contains the polysaccharide inulin, which is used as a natural sugar substitute. Therefore, people with a history of diabetes mellitus and obesity should pay attention to chicory, first of all. The substance is also necessary to maintain healthy microflora in the intestines.

Chicory will help to improve the functioning of the stomach and normalize metabolic processes. The reviews say that the vitamins and minerals contained in the root of the plant have a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular system (slow down the heart rate, dilate blood vessels), and contribute to the removal of "bad" cholesterol.

Chicory tea also has anti-inflammatory properties. By drinking this drink regularly, you can speed up the healing process of wounds and prevent the development of inflammation. Therefore, it can be used for skin diseases, acne.

Chicory root is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for correct operation nervous system. They help to calm, restore vigor and energy.

Is it possible for pregnant women?

Many women learn about what chicory is during pregnancy, when it is necessary to exclude the use of coffee for a while. A drink similar in color and taste will be extremely beneficial for future mother. Inulin in the composition of the plant will help to establish the work digestive system, eliminate constipation and heartburn.

Another problem that almost all expectant mothers face is iron deficiency anemia. You can increase the level of hemoglobin if you drink a cup of chicory drink a day.

Contraindications

It should be remembered that each medicinal plant can be used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes only if there are no contraindications. If you are allergic to similar plants, experts recommend not using chicory (soluble). In this case, the drink begins to be consumed in small quantities to check the reaction of the body.

The use of the plant (in any form) should be excluded in the presence of vascular pathologies - varicose veins, hemorrhoids. The plant tends to dilate blood vessels, which in such diseases will only have a negative effect and worsen well-being. Contraindications also include gallstone disease. Chicory, reviews of which will be discussed below, has a choleretic effect and can provoke the passage of stones.

With peptic ulcer and gastritis, it is better to refuse a drink made from chicory powder. The active substances that are present in the composition of the plant irritate the mucous surface of the digestive organs. Do not use chicory in diseases of the respiratory system - bronchial asthma, bronchitis.

Chicory during lactation

From the moment the baby is born, a woman has to make drastic changes in her diet and give up many foods and drinks. Negative influence caffeine also has an effect on the child's body. A chicory drink will help replace your favorite aromatic coffee.

Is it possible for nursing chicory, and will the plant harm the baby? Doctors assure that a drink from a medicinal plant is absolutely safe for both mother and newborn. In addition, it helps to increase lactation. Useful substances contained in the drink will penetrate into breast milk and have a calming effect on the baby.

At the same time, during breastfeeding, it is not recommended to consume more than two cups of the drink per day.

Harm of chicory

In some cases, a medicinal plant does not bring the expected benefit, but a completely opposite result. It depends on the individual sensitivity of the organism. Many note an increase in appetite while taking a drink from chicory. The phenomenon is caused by the normalization of the pancreas and the digestive system as a whole. This point should be taken into account if the drink will be used for weight loss.

With serious deviations in the work of the nervous system, mild excitability, the use of chicory can cause insomnia, emotional swings. Chicory instead of coffee should be used with caution if you are prone to an allergic reaction due to the increased content of vitamin C in the plant.

Chicory liquid

On the shelves of stores you can find not only chicory powder, but also a liquid extract of this plant. Thanks to more gentle processing during the production process, liquid chicory has more beneficial properties. It is made by evaporating liquid from the roots of the plant. The manipulation is repeated several times. Excess water from the resulting liquid is removed.

It is generally accepted that the liquid extract of a medicinal plant is more difficult to fake, unlike the powder. The product can be found in many stores. It is packaged in small jars. The liquid should be dark brown in color.

Chicory "Health"

On shelves healthy eating you can find chicory under different brands. Some manufacturers add various extracts of medicinal herbs and berries to the product. This makes the drink more tasty and healthy.

Chicory "Health" from the Coffee Company "Vokrug Sveta" (Russia), according to buyers and connoisseurs of this drink, is considered one of the best. The product has passed quality control. Its composition is fully consistent with the standards.

Soluble chicory can be purchased from pure form, and with various flavoring additives: ginseng, taiga herbs, lingonberries, blueberries, rose hips, sea buckthorn, lemon, cinnamon, raspberries. Normally, the taste of the drink should be bitter due to the presence of intribin glycoside in the composition of the plant root.

Chicory is back in fashion. And manufacturers are happy to offer their own versions of this drink. But are they all good?

Supporters of a healthy lifestyle drink chicory in the morning, claiming that it uplifts the mood, energizes and is extremely useful at the same time. The quality of the offered powder was decided to be checked by impartial inspectors of the food market.

“We have been running the Quality of the Consumer Basket project for the eighth year now. We checked different products - for the content of heavy metals, genetically modified organisms, - says Andrey Nagibin, chairman of the Green Patrol public organization. - This time we were interested in publications in the press, which reported on the studies of the composition of the drink "Chicory". The results of the analyzes were stunning - out of 27 samples purchased from well-known large retail chains different manufacturers and trademarks only seven corresponded to the GOST project, which was developed in 2012-2013 by the Research Institute of the Food Concentrate Industry and is now being approved.”

The experts decided to expand their analysis of the chicory market. Control purchases were made not only in chain stores, but also in the markets. We tried to identify conscientious and careless manufacturers. The autonomous non-profit organization "Soyuzexpertiza" of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation helped - it also conducted laboratory analyzes of samples.

Experts paid special attention to the content of inulin in the product, an important substance that is broken down in the body into fructose molecules and other elements that penetrate the circulatory system. The unsplit part is excreted from the body, dragging along the mass harmful substances, including heavy metals, cholesterol and various toxins.

There are no claims to chicory "Khutorok" and "Golden Koreshok", "Health" and "Health with Ginseng", "Russian Chicory" and "Chikoroff". The Elza and Fitodar brands fall short of the standard in other respects, although the inulin content is high. But in the "chicory" "Riosun" inulin, one might say, was not found at all.

“I ask you to consider our data, which we pass on to the editors, as an official statement in Federal Service on supervision in the field of consumer protection and human well-being,” said Roman Pukalov, director of environmental programs of the organization.

www.aif.ru

How to choose chicory and which one is better to buy

Chicory is a good substitute for coffee, it is not for nothing that it is called a coffee drink, which is not only tasty, but also healthy, so let's look at how to choose the right chicory, as well as which chicory is better to buy.

Which chicory is better liquid or powder?

Several types of chicory can be found on sale: liquid chicory extract, ground fried chicory root, instant freeze-dried chicory and large fried pieces of chicory root. Each type of processing of chicory roots has its own characteristics, but in general, they are similar in their taste and useful qualities.

When choosing which chicory to buy, first of all, pay attention to the liquid concentrated extract, and not to the chicory powder, as it is more difficult to fake, and it also contains more useful substances.

A good option would also be to choose roasted pieces of chicory root, which can then be ground in a coffee grinder before drinking (like whole bean coffee). When buying chicory root in pieces, the probability of buying a low-quality product is lower than when buying chicory in powder.

Related article: the benefits and harms of chicory.

How to choose the right quality instant chicory powder

If with a liquid extract and fried large pieces of chicory root, it is only important to carefully study the composition and description on the package, then it is more difficult to choose soluble powdered chicory, you need to know certain signs and differences between a quality product and a fake, which we will consider below:

1. The color of powdered chicory should be uniform and brown (light or dark brown, depending on the degree of roasting of the chicory roots).
2. The taste of high-quality chicory is rich and bitter.
3. We carefully study the composition, there should be nothing but chicory (chicory root, chicory extract). Manufacturers can add a variety of flavors and flavors, as well as dilute chicory with soy and high-starch grain additives.
4. It is better to buy fresher powdered chicory (see the production date on the packaging), as over time it will lose its aroma and the prepared coffee drink will smell less pleasant.
5. When buying chicory powder, if the package is soft, we try it to the touch so that there are no lumps (it means that the product is damp and it is better not to buy it). One of the best options packages of powdered chicory are glass and metal cans.
6. High-quality soluble chicory has particles no less than a millimeter in size (clearly visible), but very finely ground chicory root will be worse in quality.

Note: you can check whether cereal powder additives with starch were added to soluble chicory or not at home, simply by adding a few drops of iodine to chicory powder diluted in water, if the liquid does not turn blue, then there are no starch additives.

In conclusion to the article, it can be noted that it is not so difficult to choose high-quality natural chicory, the main thing is to know just a few of the main differences of this product, given above in the article. We leave our advice and feedback, which chicory is better to buy and why, in the comments to the article and share it in in social networks if it was helpful to you.

infoeda.com

How to choose chicory

In the recent past, chicory was often used to fake coffee, so some people still have it negative attitude. Meanwhile, soluble chicory is very useful. It can be drunk with high blood pressure, it is allowed even for pregnant women.

Beneficial features chicory allow you to use it to combat many diseases, it includes a number of beneficial vitamins. The drink has anti-inflammatory, diuretic and sedative effects. Unlike coffee, chicory rather dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, so this drink is perfect for hypertensive patients who cannot drink coffee.

Meanwhile, natural chicory has contraindications. You should not drink a coffee drink with chicory if you suffer from varicose veins (chicory relaxes them even more), have problems with blood vessels, or are in a serious stage of obesity. Also, some types of gastritis will be a reason to refuse this pleasure.

All contraindications apply only to natural chicory, everyone can drink an instant drink without restrictions. That is why chicory is considered a symbol of a healthy lifestyle.

The coffee drink chicory is made from the roots of the plant. They are dried, ground, and then roasted like coffee. When buying, it is important to decide which type of chicory you want to consume: instant or natural.

Natural chicory is sold as whole roots, and crushed there to a state in which it can be brewed like coffee. When purchasing such chicory, be sure to look at the date when it was packed. If the packaging is airtight, then the taste properties of the drink will last for a year or two, but the aroma fades somewhat over time. The fresher the natural chicory, the naturally tastier it is. If you buy chicory roots, make sure they are dry and brown.

Soluble chicory powder is much easier to prepare. This drink retains all the beneficial properties, but it acts softer. As a rule, soluble chicory is mostly found on sale. Its taste properties are often even better than natural, as it has undergone special processing.

When choosing instant chicory, pay attention to grinding. The smaller it is, the better the drink. Good chicory is absolutely dry, it is sold in sealed packaging. This is due to the fact that when moisture gets inside the bag, the powder can harden. The difference between ground chicory and roots is that the first is simply poured with boiling water, but the second must be boiled.

Once upon a time, chicory drink was quite cheap, but today it is often more expensive than coffee. Sometimes this is due to various additives, for example, it can be ginseng, cinnamon, rosehip and others.

When buying chicory, feel it in the package. A “petrified” powder or the presence of lumps in it indicates that it was stored incorrectly.

The final test of a chicory coffee drink is its taste.

Related videos

One of the most popular beverages, chicory is considered by many to be a healthy alternative to coffee. You can buy it in a jar, in the form of a soluble powder or paste. It has long been proven its positive effect on the central nervous system, lowering blood sugar levels, normalizing the body's metabolic processes and, accordingly, reducing body weight. Many companies are engaged in the production of chicory. To date, there has even been a certain rating of the best brands of instant chicory for 2020. So what is this plant, and what is its great benefit to the body?

As in any other case, all the healing properties of a particular plant directly depend on the substances, vitamins, minerals and trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the body in its composition. The plant can be seen in two versions:

• Root;
• Salad (leaf).

The root part contains the main part of vitamins, tannins and fiber. As for the salad version, it differs more in the fleshy root part and stems.

The main active substance of chicory - inulin - fiber, the use of which has a positive effect on the intestinal microflora. About the so-called bifidobacteria of the intestine, only the lazy have not heard. But far from everyone knows that it is these microorganisms that feed inulin.

Product preparation

To prepare a soluble concentrate, chicory extraction is used. It is prepared in three stages:

1. The dry root is roasted;
2. A strong “tincture” is brewed from the root;
3. "Tincture" is dried in a sublimator oven.

As a result of this sequence of processes, a powder is obtained, which is offered to consumers in pharmacies and grocery stores.

Properties of a drink made from chicory

With the help of scientific research, it has long been proven that chicory is especially useful for those who have semi-finished products, concentrates and semi-finished flour products at the heart of their diet (this is especially true for products made from white flour). It is in such cases that a cup will be especially useful - the second chicory drink. According to the leading nutritionists of the world, it is with its help that you can successfully deal with dysbacteriosis and constipation.

It will be useful to include chicory in the diet even if a vegetable or fruit diet is planned. This will provide the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract extra food and ensure its full functionality. That is, a session of "emergency weight loss" will not cause either bloating or diarrhea.

Also, do not forget about one interesting feature root. It strongly resembles the taste of coffee. That is why this somewhat tart drink is enjoyed by all connoisseurs of natural coffee.

Benefits during pregnancy

For all women who are in an "interesting" position, doctors recommend changing their usual coffee to a chicory drink. This castling will help get rid of:

• Gestosis;
• heartburn;
• constipation;
• Feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Treatment of diabetes and obesity

Drinking a drink from chicory is also useful for diabetes and in the second type of obesity. It is inulin that has the property of lowering the glycemic index of many foods. This, accordingly, greatly facilitates the well-being of patients and reduces their almost irresistible desire to eat something sweet. To achieve the maximum effect, twenty minutes before a meal, you need to drink 150 ml of decoction.

However, like all other medicinal plants, chicory should be used with caution. As they say, everything is good in moderation. For example, too frequent use of the product can lead to aggravation of vein diseases.

Beauty and weight loss

A huge amount of vitamins and nutrients included in the vitamin-mineral complex contained in chicory (A, E, B 1, B2, B3, C, PP) in combination with the calcium, potassium and magnesium in it help to maintain not only your health but also beauty.

The purpose of most of the above substances is to maintain excellent skin tone and speedy restoration of the body's collagen cells. For the same reason, the product is successfully used for weight loss.

Contraindications

Despite the presence of numerous useful substances in the substance and its obvious benefits, there is also a list of contraindications indicating that not everyone can use the soluble product. The thing is that in some cases, instead of being beneficial, it can do quite a lot of harm.

True, it should be noted that there are few contraindications to the use of chicory and its beneficial properties predominate significantly. So, for example, you should not combine it with antibiotics. This combination can disrupt the absorption of medications.

It is undesirable to use it for those who suffer from varicose veins or hemorrhoids. With regular use, chicory promotes vasodilation and, accordingly, exacerbates health problems.

Another category of people who are not recommended drinks based on chicory are people with various types allergies to ascorbic acid. That is, if a person cannot eat citrus fruits without negative consequences for the body, when eating currants, he begins to develop a rash, then a decoction of chicory should not be consumed either. Exceptions, of course, are possible, but it is recommended to visit an allergist and undergo appropriate tests.

Medical studies have confirmed the fact that this wild plant is not useful for bronchial asthma. But, in any case, when buying chicory-based drinks to the table, it is necessary to carefully study their composition. Here, the main secret lies in the fact that many varieties of this plant, which are artificially cultivated by humans, are enriched with additional substances piece by piece. That is why, the exact composition of a particular powder can only be found out by carefully reading the product label.

Here we are talking, first of all, about the quantity and quality of the inulin contained in it. Yes, 75% of it beneficial substance found exclusively in the fully matured roots of the plant. If the manufacturer is not distinguished by responsibility and scrupulousness, it is possible to add block pectin instead of inulin. This makes production cheaper and, accordingly, provides additional benefits to dishonest producers.

So, in order for the decoction to be not only tasty, but also healthy, it is necessary to purchase soluble chicory powder, on the label of which it is indicated - a natural extract. In this case, you should avoid products on the labels of which it is indicated:

• artificially enriched;
• Tinted;
• Sweetened.

These versions of the product can do much more harm than good.

Best instant chicory for 2020

So we offer best brands instant chicory for 2020.

Chicory drink "Health"

The indicators of this zirconium powder and the already prepared drink fully comply with all regulatory requirements. It has a pronounced aroma and taste inherent in chicory. Also, "Health" is fully appropriate:

• Moisture content;
• Complete solubility in both cold and hot water.

At the same time, it completely lacks third-party additives, including metallomagnetic particles. Not found in "Health" and caffeine, which, by the way, should not be contained in a powder made from a natural root.

According to the results of the examination, the percentage of inulin, a polysaccharide useful for the human body, fully corresponds to the declared indicators (over 30%). In this drink it is 54.5%. The combination of the results of all the above tests and examinations suggests that the Zdorovye drink is indeed a natural chicory extract.

Chicory drink "Health

Advantages:

• The obvious benefits of the product, due to the high content of inulin;
• Sealed packaging and ZIP fastener.

Flaws:

• Not seen.

"Russian chicory"

Produced in the city of Yaroslavl, "Russian Chicory" is a natural instant drink produced in full compliance with all the requirements of GOST.

According to the results of a series of laboratory studies, no violations in the production of the drink were found. It does not contain pathogenic microorganisms, E. coli bacteria, yeast and mold.

The content of heavy metals is also within the normal range. We are talking about such metals as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, and aflatoxin was not detected.

Not noted in the drink and caffeine. Its main indicators - appearance, color, taste and aromatic properties also fully comply with GOST standards.

The drink contains 30.1% inulin (at a rate of 30%).

Russian chicory

Advantages:

• Optimal content of inulin;
• Sealed package with ZIP closure.

Flaws:

• Not marked

The classic instant drink GreatLife, which is produced in the Leningrad region (the village of Novy Svet), is no longer so ideal compared to its predecessors. First of all, he received such reviews from experts and buyers due to the low content of inulin (its percentage is lower than the norms established for the optimal content of this substance). Also, organoleptic indicators and solubility are not characteristic of a drink from chicory.

At the same time, aflotoxin was not found in the drink, and the indicators of toxic elements are within the normal range. But, unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the content of mold in the drink. True, it does not exceed the permissible values, but the indicator is close to the upper limit of the norm. Genetically modified elements were not found by examination. Not found in GreatLife and traces of metal impurities and caffeine.

Within the permissible limits, all physical and chemical indicators of the drink:

• Mass fraction of moisture;
• absolute solubility, both in hot and in cold water.

At the same time, the organoleptic characteristics of the drink leave much to be desired:

• Watery slightly sweet taste;
• Aroma with hints of caramel;
• In the powder, impurities of light tones are noticeable.

The last remark definitely indicates the presence of impurities in the drink. It is believed that all violations in the quality of the finished product are due to violations:

• In the modes of heat treatment;
• Selection of low quality raw materials.

Here the whole point is that if the temperature during the processing of raw materials (extraction and drying) is too high, the process of destruction of inulin will inevitably begin. This leads to its low content in the drink.

This is also facilitated by raw materials of low quality, and even high-quality, which was not properly stored. And finally, one cannot fail to mention the possible falsification of products, when chicory, which is more expensive in terms of cost, is replaced by cheaper grain analogues, which, accordingly, do not contain the required amount of inulin.

Instant Classic GreatLife

Advantages:

• Low cost of the product.

Flaws:

• The actual content of inulin is 3 times less than the norm - only 9.6%;
• Inconsistency in organoleptic indicators.

Chicory Dr. Dias

Classic instant chicory drink Dr. Dias is produced in Yaroslavl. The content of inulin in it is much less than the expected norm. In addition, many note a somewhat sour taste of the drink.

It contains absolutely no genetically modified organisms, caffeine and metal-magnetic impurities. The organoleptic characteristics of the drink, with the exception of a slightly sour taste, correspond to the norm.

As for the content of inulin, it is almost 2.5 times lower than the minimum values. This in itself indicates both the quality of the chicory used in the production, and violations in the process of thermal processing of the product. Possible cause A sufficiently low quality of the drink is considered by many to be falsification - the replacement of an expensive product with cheaper, but lower quality crops.

Chicory Dr. Dias

Advantages:

• Low cost;

Flaws:

• Insufficient content of inulin;
• Sour taste of the product.

Chicory "Tselebnik" is produced in one of the Moscow city districts. No toxic elements were found in it, but, unfortunately, the direct content of inulin leaves much to be desired.

At the same time, laboratory studies did not find traces of genetically modified organisms. Not found in the product and caffeine. Special notes on color indicators, appearance and the experts have no flavor. The only thing they pay attention to is the low content of the main active ingredient in the drink - inulin (this figure is almost 3.5 times less than the norm). Moreover, it is even less than the numbers indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. As in other cases, low inulin content may be due to:

• Falsification - replacing chicory with cheaper grain analogues;
• Violations in the heat treatment of the product - too high a temperature;
• Low quality of raw materials;
• Improper storage.

Accordingly, on this moment there are comments on the product that do not allow experts to put it in the top three drinks with chicory.

Chicory "Tselebnik" natural soluble

Advantages:

• Low cost.

Flaws:

• Low content of inulin.

Summing up

Given that a high-quality chicory drink is made exclusively from natural products and does not contain caffeine at all, its benefits to the human body are obvious.

In addition, chicory has the ability to remove toxins from the body (we are talking about the liver, kidneys, gallbladder). Unfortunately, almost 80% of the chicory on the shelves of our stores are fake. What should you pay attention to when buying a powder so that it really benefits the body and does not harm in any way? First of all it is:

• Homogeneous structure and color of soluble powder;
• In water, chicory dissolves completely without residue (for verification, you can filter the drink using ordinary gauze).

If violations are noticed on one of the points, this indicates the addition of maltadextrin (corn flour, molasses, and in fact sugar) to the drink. It is especially dangerous to purchase such a drink for people with diabetes.

You may also like:

Rating of the best vegetarian restaurants in St. Petersburg in 2020 Rating of the best food delivery services in Kazan in 2020

Chicory gained popularity thanks to healing properties and a taste reminiscent of coffee. Choosing a drink is not easy, because manufacturers mix cereals into it. For example, oats, barley, rye and maltadextrin are components harmful to diabetics. To enjoy and benefit from your favorite drink, you need to know how to choose quality chicory.

Varieties

The drink is made from the root of the plant and, depending on the method of processing, receives different variations of the final product. There are three types:

1. Soluble or powder. Obtained by evaporation method.
2. Liquid. This is an extract of chicory root, often used in cooking. It is convenient to drink it in the morning, because it takes 1-2 minutes to prepare.
3. Ground. The root of the plant is washed, dried and then ground. The sublimation method preserves the maximum of useful substances.

In this ranking, it is difficult to determine the best chicory, since each of them has a unique taste. To determine the winner for yourself, taste each of the options. For a change, you can drink the drink with milk, lemon, cream and different types spices.

Beware of fakes

Most of the soluble chicory contains cereal flour, which increases the weight of the raw material and reduces its quality. It is not uncommon to find maltadextrin (thickener and flavoring) in the composition. It increases blood glucose, so diabetics should use it with caution.

Which chicory is better: instant, ground or liquid? The latter is the most difficult to fake, so give preference to it.

How to find out what the composition contains harmful components:

• Dilute half a teaspoon of chicory in a glass of water and add a drop of iodine. If blue stains appear in the liquid, it means that the manufacturer added ground cereals (they contain starch that reacts with iodine).
• The powder has a reddish hue and is very dusty - the main sign that maltadextrin is present in the composition.

Not infrequently, manufacturers indicate the use of these components on the packaging. Always study the composition if it is written in foreign language and has no translation - refrain from buying.

How to choose chicory by packaging

Chicory is a product that quickly absorbs moisture, so the packaging must be airtight, or better - vacuum. Paper and plastic are not suitable, since the shelf life of the product in such containers is reduced to 1-2 weeks. Use of transparent glass jars is allowed.

Pay attention to the country of origin of the goods. The mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for plant growth. Buy products made in France, Poland and Germany.

How to choose the right soluble powder

Before you buy chicory, read the reviews about it. After that, you can check the quality of the drink yourself:

1. Normally, the powder is of a uniform color without light or dark blotches. The hue varies depending on the degree of roasting, it is usually dark or light brown.
2. The taste is rich, spicy, with a slight bitterness. Inulin adds sweetness to the drink and does not cause an increase in blood sugar.
3. Buy only fresh chicory, over time it is saturated with moisture and loses its taste and beneficial properties.
4. If seals are felt in the package, you do not need to buy it.
5. The powder must be crushed into granules with a diameter of 1 millimeter. If the chicory you bought is pulverized, it contains cereal flour.

Store instant drink in hermetically sealed containers, ideal for this glass jars or vacuum bags.

How to choose the right liquid chicory

It is easiest to choose high-quality liquid chicory, only positive reviews. You can take such a product in the store "without looking."

It is bought based on three characteristics:

1. Color. O high quality says rich coffee tone. Light stains or lumps indicate improper storage of the batch.
2. Smell. The aroma is spicy with a slight sourness, reminiscent of coffee.
3. Tasting. The taste is rich, sour. Due to inulin, a drink from chicory turns out to be moderately sweet, it is better to drink it without sweeteners.

Store in a closed container in the refrigerator. Use liquid chicory as soon as possible, as it volatilizes essential oils and characteristic spicy aroma.

How to choose the best freeze-dried and ground chicory

Freeze-dried chicory is almost impossible to fake, so it is not necessary to study reviews on the Internet before buying it. When choosing a coffee drink, focus on two indicators:

1. Packing quality. The product must be hermetically sealed, it has the ability to absorb moisture and odors.
2. appearance of the granules. Shake the jar if there are no sticky lumps - the goods were stored correctly.

It is better to drink sublimated chicory during the day and in the evening, as it has a calming effect. Store in a dark and dry place. It is recommended to adhere to the temperature regime specified by the manufacturer.

Best chicory: test purchase and producer rating

To check the quality of food, a test purchase was carried out in supermarkets, markets and food stalls (wherever it is most convenient for a person to buy food). The samples were sent for laboratory and technical examination.

The test purchase showed that high-quality and correct chicory can only be obtained by trial and error (regardless of price). In the production process, ingredients not listed in the composition are often added to it. They can't do any harm, but they can't do any good either. Choose a coffee drink based on taste and pricing.

Test purchase

Chicory is considered a popular drink that many people drink. This product brings great benefits to the body and can be a good alternative to coffee. At the same time, you need to know how to choose high-quality chicory. This drink offers many brands. Therefore, you need to understand the key selection criteria.

The product is herbaceous plant, which belongs to the Astrov family. The Mediterranean is considered the birthplace of culture. Over time, it has become widespread in Africa, America, Eurasia, Australia. Today, 2 main varieties of plants are grown - lettuce and ordinary. Dried and roasted roots are put into natural coffee. This contributes to the enrichment of its taste. Also, the product is often used as an alternative to a coffee drink. The leaves of the plant are often added to salads or used as garnishes for meat and fish.

Chicory contains many useful substances

Beneficial features

Chicory is distinguished by a number of beneficial effects. It is considered an effective power engineer of natural origin. Doctors recommend using the product if coffee is prohibited for some reason.. If you drink chicory on an empty stomach, you will be able to cope with the feeling of hunger and reduce your appetite. Because the product is suitable for weight loss. It can also be used to prevent the appearance of excess weight.

In addition, chicory allows you to achieve the following effects:

• reduce arterial pressure, stimulate blood flow and expand blood vessels;
• relax the nervous system and cope with insomnia;
• activate the removal of toxins from the body;
• normalize the level of insulin in the blood;
• saturate the body with vitamins and minerals;
• to achieve a wound healing effect and restore the structure of the skin;
• get a choleretic effect;
• reduce the number of dangerous triglycerides, reduce the likelihood of atherosclerosis and hypertension.

The product is also useful for men. It normalizes the functioning of the genitourinary system. The plant helps to activate blood circulation in the prostate and cope with congestion in the pelvic organs. This has a positive effect on potency. A culture-based drink helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and helps normalize blood pressure parameters. This helps prevent heart disease.

Harm

Chicory should be used very carefully, taking into account contraindications and observing the dosage. To determine the optimal amount of the product, it is worth studying the instructions that are indicated on the package. If the manufacturer's recommendations are followed, chicory is only beneficial. People who have chronic pathologies should consult a doctor before using the product. It is not recommended to consume a lot of drink during pregnancy and lactation. Also, the product is able to provoke allergy symptoms in people who are intolerant to plants from the Compositae family. Ambrosia is one of them. This category also includes marigolds and chrysanthemums.

It is also necessary to take into account that chicory is able to activate the synthesis of bile. Therefore, people with stones in the gallbladder are allowed to use this product only under the supervision of a doctor.

Chicory comes in various forms

Varieties of chicory

All chicory products are made from the rhizome of the plant. Depending on the processing method, there are several types of products:

1. Liquid. This release form is a concentrated extract. This is a kind of extract from the rhizome of the plant. Such chicory is used as an aromatic additive in desserts and sauces. It is allowed to drink, mixing with water. This tool successfully copes with sleep disorders and nervous excitability.
2. Ground. For the manufacture of such a product, the rhizomes are ground, dried and fried. Then they are ground to a powder state. To prepare a drink from such raw materials, you need to insist on hot or cold water. The finished composition helps to improve attention, normalize the functions of the intestines and biliary tract.
3. Soluble. Such chicory is the most difficult to prepare. To make a soluble product, the root extract must be placed in special dryers, from which a powder comes out. Such a tool does not need to be insisted for a long time. It is more convenient storage and long shelf life. Answering the question which chicory is better - instant or freeze-dried, we can say that this is the same thing.

When choosing a product, many people ask themselves: which chicory is better - liquid or dry? Experts advise giving preference to the first option, since it is more difficult to fake. In addition, there are many more valuable components in liquid chicory. A great option would be fried pieces of the root. Before use, they can be ground with a coffee grinder.

Overview of the best manufacturers

Many people are interested in which company chicory is better. There are several well-known manufacturers that help you choose a quality product:

1. "Health". This manufacturer offers chicory powder. It meets all standards and has a pronounced taste and aroma. The powder dissolves perfectly in hot and cold water.
2. "Russian chicory". This Yaroslavl company produces a natural instant drink that meets all standards. As a result of the checks, it was not possible to identify pathogenic microflora, bacteria, yeast and mold.
3. "Healer". The company offers healthy drink which does not contain harmful components. It has excellent taste and pleasant aroma.
4. Dr. Dias. This manufacturer offers a classic instant drink, which is produced in Yaroslavl. It has a pleasant aroma and slightly sour taste.

To choose the best chicory, you need to pay attention to the release form, taste and aroma. Only in this case it will be possible to obtain a quality product that will bring maximum health benefits.