History
[Primary source: Chicory or Cichorium Intybus ~ Leroux S.A.]
The Way Way Back When Version:
The cultivated chicory plant has a history stretching back to ancient Egypt.
The Ebers Papyrus, dating from 4000 BC, is the oldest extant document to refer to chicory. Egyptian peasants [word of the day: fellahs] on both banks of the Nile cultivated chicory for its seeds, reputed to aid in digestion. They roasted chicory seeds on the flat surfaces of heated rocks.
Pedanios Dioscoride, a Greek doctor in the Roman army, was the first to mention chicory for its restorative powers. It was not long before the plant and its issues would spread throughout the world.
Medieval monks raised the plants and when coffee was introduced into Europe in the 1600s, the enterprising Dutch discovered that the addition of chicory made a coffee superior in color, flavor and body.
In New Orleans, an old world city distinguished by its exceptional cuisine, French Market Coffee and Chicory is served in premier restaurants and the finest homes.
French Connection:
From the French Renaissance to the French Market in 300 years, give or take
During the French Renaissance [16th century if youre a little rusty], the medicinal use of chicory roots, leaves, flowers and seeds became generally accepted. [See Health]
In the 18th century, the first French factories put the Dutch method for industrial roasting of chicory to good use. Chicory
made the leap from medicinal to commodity. As the French Revolution approached, chicory was as popular a beverage as coffee.
Napoleons political move to block English shipping in the earliest part of the 19th century actually caused chicory consumption to surpass coffee consumption.
In 1858, Jean-Baptiste Leroux bought a factory in Orchies, France. He stopped production on chocolate, tapioca and mustard and kept only one of the former products going chicory.
French Market Coffee & Chicory imports all of its chicory from Leroux. Our red can has been around since 1890, and nobody here or there can testify as to how long the partnership between Leroux and French Market has been going on. Were just old friends enjoying a delicious tradition ... together.
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