Herbal Coffee Substitute with Roasted Chicory and Dandelion Root


I am a self-proclaimed coffee lover. Unfortunately, however, stimulants don’t work well for me. I can have a 12-ounce cup of coffee at 10 a.m. and still be wide awake at 10 p.m. Over the years, I have gone back and forth between regular coffee and decaf, but then I discovered the enjoyable benefits of herbal coffee substitutes and found a new warm beverage to love–chicory and dandelion root coffee!


People have been drinking coffee since at least the 15th century. Over time it has become one of the most traded and sought-after products in the world. Today, coffee is generally consumed as a stimulant, but any of us coffee-lovers know that the beverage is also quite bitter. Now, this post is about chicory and dandelion root as a coffee substitute, not coffee itself, so why, you may ask, am I going on about coffee? Coffee substitutes, at least the herbal ones I am referring to, are generally not caffeinated and most people who favor them are looking to lower their caffeine consumption. However, like coffee, they contain bitter chemical compounds that have very real health benefits. Take a look at our blog
“What are Digestive Bitters and How do they Work?” to learn more about the traditional use of bitters for digestive wellness.


coffee cup with loose herbs strewn about and spoon

Chicory (Chichorium intybus) and Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) plants are Eurasian, meaning they are from both Europe and Asia. Both plants however, made the jump across the pond to North America and are now extremely common weeds that grow almost everywhere. *Traditionally, they were used to support digestive, gastrointestinal, and liver health, as well as overall general health and well-being. Chicory has been used in Europe as a well-known coffee additive and substitute for many years but drinking chicory didn’t become popular in the Americas until the Civil War, when coffee imports were blocked.

Chicory and dandelion have a wonderful earthy and coffee-like taste. Once you try it this herbal “coffee” recipe, I think you will see why it is a lovely substitute to start your day.

hands hold mug with warm beverage


Roasted Chicory and Dandelion Root Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

  • Bring 2 cups water to a boil.
  • Measure chicory root power and, dandelion root powder into a French or tea press.
  • Pour boiling water into the press, stir, insert plunger and lid without pressing down.
  • Allow to sit for 10-20 minutes then press plunger down.
  • Pour into mugs, add optional milk/substitutes and sweetener if desired, and sprinkle cinnamon powder on top.

You can play around with other fun ingredients to spice or sweeten up your beverage. Try adding:

Pro Tips

  • You can also make this recipe using cut organic roasted chicory root and cut organic roasted dandelion root. Begin by using the same ratios as above and adjust to your taste preferences.
  • If you are finding that the added ingredients aren’t mixing well in your mug –  just throw them in a blender!
  • Want your brew stronger? Experiment with adding more powders to get the perfect blend for you.

Looking for more herbal substitute recipes?

Try Guarana Seed Hot Cocoa

 

You may also enjoy:

Golden Milk Powder Blend + Latte Recipe
Traditional Mexican Hot Chocolate with Chocolate de Mesa Recipe
DIY Cardamom Coffee Lip Balm Recipe

close shot of a mug with warm beverage

*This statement have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only

 


Topics: Recipes, Herbalism, Tea & Herbal Drinks

Anna

Written by Anna on January 27, 2021

Anna (Ah-na) Bradley is the Sustainability Coordinator with Mountain Rose Herbs and the co-founder and former Development Director of Whole Earth Nature School, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring students in the outdoors to foster confidence, resilience, and kinship with nature. Anna received her BA in Anthropology from the University of Oregon in 2006 and has been studying, mentoring, and practicing environmental awareness and immersion skills for over 12 years. Anna is a Clinical Herbalist and is a former student and Clinical Director of the Columbines School of Botanical Studies. She has dedicated her time to giving back to her community through leading ethnobotanical plant walks and workshops, formerly volunteering on the herbal team with Occupy Medical and with Lane County Search and Rescue, and sharing personal stories on her blog "Feral Botanicals". Anna is passionate about awakening people to their natural connections to encourage positive emotional, mental, and physical relationships. Anna is a mother, musician, mentor, writer, gardener, wanderer, and actor.


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Herbal Coffee Substitute with Roasted Chicory and Dandelion Root


I am a self-proclaimed coffee lover. Unfortunately, however, stimulants don’t work well for me. I can have a 12-ounce cup of coffee at 10 a.m. and still be wide awake at 10 p.m. Over the years, I have gone back and forth between regular coffee and decaf, but then I discovered the enjoyable benefits of herbal coffee substitutes and found a new warm beverage to love–chicory and dandelion root coffee!


People have been drinking coffee since at least the 15th century. Over time it has become one of the most traded and sought-after products in the world. Today, coffee is generally consumed as a stimulant, but any of us coffee-lovers know that the beverage is also quite bitter. Now, this post is about chicory and dandelion root as a coffee substitute, not coffee itself, so why, you may ask, am I going on about coffee? Coffee substitutes, at least the herbal ones I am referring to, are generally not caffeinated and most people who favor them are looking to lower their caffeine consumption. However, like coffee, they contain bitter chemical compounds that have very real health benefits. Take a look at our blog
“What are Digestive Bitters and How do they Work?” to learn more about the traditional use of bitters for digestive wellness.


coffee cup with loose herbs strewn about and spoon

Chicory (Chichorium intybus) and Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) plants are Eurasian, meaning they are from both Europe and Asia. Both plants however, made the jump across the pond to North America and are now extremely common weeds that grow almost everywhere. *Traditionally, they were used to support digestive, gastrointestinal, and liver health, as well as overall general health and well-being. Chicory has been used in Europe as a well-known coffee additive and substitute for many years but drinking chicory didn’t become popular in the Americas until the Civil War, when coffee imports were blocked.

Chicory and dandelion have a wonderful earthy and coffee-like taste. Once you try it this herbal “coffee” recipe, I think you will see why it is a lovely substitute to start your day.

hands hold mug with warm beverage


Roasted Chicory and Dandelion Root Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

  • Bring 2 cups water to a boil.
  • Measure chicory root power and, dandelion root powder into a French or tea press.
  • Pour boiling water into the press, stir, insert plunger and lid without pressing down.
  • Allow to sit for 10-20 minutes then press plunger down.
  • Pour into mugs, add optional milk/substitutes and sweetener if desired, and sprinkle cinnamon powder on top.

You can play around with other fun ingredients to spice or sweeten up your beverage. Try adding:

Pro Tips

  • You can also make this recipe using cut organic roasted chicory root and cut organic roasted dandelion root. Begin by using the same ratios as above and adjust to your taste preferences.
  • If you are finding that the added ingredients aren’t mixing well in your mug –  just throw them in a blender!
  • Want your brew stronger? Experiment with adding more powders to get the perfect blend for you.

Looking for more herbal substitute recipes?

Try Guarana Seed Hot Cocoa

 

You may also enjoy:

Golden Milk Powder Blend + Latte Recipe
Traditional Mexican Hot Chocolate with Chocolate de Mesa Recipe
DIY Cardamom Coffee Lip Balm Recipe

close shot of a mug with warm beverage

*This statement have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only

 


Topics: Recipes, Herbalism, Tea & Herbal Drinks

Anna

Written by Anna on January 27, 2021

Anna (Ah-na) Bradley is the Sustainability Coordinator with Mountain Rose Herbs and the co-founder and former Development Director of Whole Earth Nature School, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring students in the outdoors to foster confidence, resilience, and kinship with nature. Anna received her BA in Anthropology from the University of Oregon in 2006 and has been studying, mentoring, and practicing environmental awareness and immersion skills for over 12 years. Anna is a Clinical Herbalist and is a former student and Clinical Director of the Columbines School of Botanical Studies. She has dedicated her time to giving back to her community through leading ethnobotanical plant walks and workshops, formerly volunteering on the herbal team with Occupy Medical and with Lane County Search and Rescue, and sharing personal stories on her blog "Feral Botanicals". Anna is passionate about awakening people to their natural connections to encourage positive emotional, mental, and physical relationships. Anna is a mother, musician, mentor, writer, gardener, wanderer, and actor.