In stores, it is sold in liquid and dry form. I have no doubt that the chicory plant has useful properties, because it is given by nature itself in its natural form. But everything that is sold in our stores undergoes industrial processing, and is there a place for useful properties and health promotion here? And I want to figure out if chicory is useful in this form?

There are three types of chicory on the Russian market. Let's study them.

liquid chicory

It is obtained from the evaporation of liquid from the chicory root. Then from the resulting liquid again. That is, the chicory root goes through several processing processes. And only then is chicory extract obtained. Many online sources claim that the liquid extract, thanks to gentle processing, boasts the highest content of nutrients. I'm not entirely sure if chicory is healthy in this form, because it goes through several stages of processing! But I cannot but agree that it is more difficult to fake it, since unscrupulous manufacturers in the manufacture of chicory partially replace the healing root with cereals. This does not harm the body, but significantly impoverishes the taste and benefits of the drink. The easiest way for manufacturers to mix "cereals" into soluble and ground chicory, more difficult - into a liquid extract. In addition, it is better stored, unlike powdered competitors.

Soluble chicory or sublimated

Is chicory useful in soluble see? Perhaps this type of chicory causes the most doubts. Previously, chicory was either prepared by ourselves or purchased in stores. But in any case, it had to be brewed like coffee beans. If you look at the packaging, then in the composition, except for the main ingredient, there is nothing. Soluble chicory differs from the usual custard production method.

Initially, soluble chicory was obtained from the extract of this plant, which retained all its beneficial properties. Over time, the instant drink began to be produced according to a new technology, which is very similar to the technology for the production of ordinary instant coffee. In this case, the extract is extracted from the roasted roots. Manufacturers claim that the beneficial properties of chicory are preserved even after the sublimation process. Connoisseurs of soluble chicory are mainly people who lead an active lifestyle. Since to obtain a fragrant drink, it is enough to put the soluble composition in a cup and pour boiling water over it. And in a matter of seconds you can enjoy a cup of your favorite drink.

ground chicory

With this method, the chicory root is first ground, and then fried. Most sources claim that it is with this method that the largest amount of vitamins and trace elements remains in chicory. A quality product has a uniform brown color. The shade can be lighter or darker - depending on the roast and the desires of the buyer. Light chicory has more vitamins than dark chicory, which has a brighter aroma. Ground chicory is prepared in the same way as instant chicory. Just after brewing with boiling water, it needs to be insisted for several minutes.

By the way, ground chicory can be prepared independently. To do this, the chicory roots need to be washed, dried, finely chopped and carefully fried in a pan (wait until the moisture evaporates). And then cool and grind in a coffee grinder.

What is the most useful chicory?

It seems to me that this is the chicory that we can cook ourselves. We choose the plant ourselves, wash and dry it ourselves, cook and store it ourselves. Now it remains to wait for the summer and try to make this most healthy drink yourself :)

Well, accordingly, of the store options, in my opinion, the most useful is ground chicory, because its production process is closest to the folk method.

I am glad that chicory has long settled in my kitchen. And I want to give you some advice. To get the most out of this drink, it is best to brew it with hot water, but not boiling water, and drink it without.

I, of course, prefer the taste of chicory with milk (or cream), as well as coffee. But it's better not to. I'll explain why. Chicory contains a considerable amount of iron, and milk prevents the absorption of iron in the body, so if you

Chicory gained popularity due to its healing properties and 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 get pleasure and benefit from your favorite drink, you need to know how to choose high-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 various types of 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 a foreign language and does not have a 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, glass jars or vacuum bags are ideal for this.

How to choose the right liquid chicory

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

It is bought based on three characteristics:

1. Color. A rich coffee shade speaks of high quality. 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 essential oils and characteristic spicy aroma evaporate from it.

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 products, 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, 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 a 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 a stimulating effect on the 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 the proper functioning of the 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 the expectant mother. Inulin in the composition of the plant will help to improve the functioning of the 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. Caffeine also has a negative 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. The beneficial 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 the shelves of healthy food, 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 both in pure form and with various flavors: ginseng, taiga herbs, lingonberries, blueberries, wild rose, 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.

What is chicory?

Chicory (lat.Cichorium) is a genus of perennial or biennial herbs of the Asteraceae or Asteraceae family. Many consider this plant with bright blue flowers, which grows on the roadsides, meadows and wastelands of our country, a weed.

In Russia, chicory began to be grown in 1880, in the Yaroslavl province, where two types of this plant are successfully cultivated to this day: salad chicory and common chicory. Chicory root, which reaches almost 15 meters in length and is of great benefit, it has found its application in the confectionery and coffee industries. The root is used to make coffee drinks along with coffee beans, and it is also the main coffee substitute. Dried and roasted chicory roots, added to natural coffee, significantly improve its taste. The leaves of cultivated chicory species are a very useful addition to fresh salads, as well as a self-sufficient side dish for dishes.

Useful composition of chicory.

Chicory root contains: vitamin C, pectin, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3), resins, macro- and microelements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, etc.), carotene, organic acids, protein and tannins. Chicory contains about 40 - 60% useful inulin, and at the peak of the season, the dried root can contain up to 75% inulin. Chicory root, thanks to inulin, contributes to the normalization of the entire digestive system and improves metabolism. Soluble chicory normalizes the intestinal microflora, since inulin feeds on special "beneficial" bacteria that live in the human intestine - bifidumbacteria. By the way, there is no inulin in coffee or tea. Soluble chicory is very similar in color and, especially, in taste to natural roasted coffee, but at the same time, chicory does not contain caffeine - a chemical compound that is present in tea and coffee. Beverages containing caffeine may not always be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Caffeine increases vascular tone, therefore, it is prohibited for people with high blood pressure. Caffeine-containing drinks are contraindicated in heart disease, as it can provoke rhythm disturbances. In addition, soluble chicory has a sweetish taste, which is important. About 80% of people drink tea and coffee by adding sugar or anything else sweet, and this is highly undesirable for diabetics. Excess sugar also leads to weight gain. Inulin is a polymer of fructose, it does not increase blood sugar levels, which means that it is useful for people with diabetes and overweight to use chicory.

Soluble chicory - useful properties.

The benefits of soluble chicory are quite large, as are the benefits of many other plants used by humans to improve their health. Chicory helps to dilate blood vessels, is able to relieve attacks of tachycardia, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and circulatory system, and soothes. It is also useful for all digestive organs. The benefits of chicory have long been recognized by the people, there are many folk recipes that include chicory, it is appropriate in the treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys and spleen. Chicory root (soluble chicory) is a unique product that can replace coffee in the morning, giving the human body exceptional vigor for the whole day. It should be noted that it is an excellent general tonic.

Chicory juice, mixed with celery, carrot and parsley juice, effectively affects the muscular system of the eye, nourishes it. The useful composition of the above cocktail is undoubtedly capable of significantly improving the quality of vision.

No less than the benefits of chicory added to various medications. Medicines based on it have choleretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Chicory stimulates the appetite, and in the period of viral infectious diseases helps in the fight against high fever.

Tinctures from this plant are also used externally! Chicory accelerates the healing process of chronic wounds, eczema and other skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, furunculosis, psoriasis, etc. The action of tinctures is drying in nature, which helps to relieve inflammation in the shortest possible time. Chicory is also used in the cosmetic industry. Shampoos and conditioners based on chicory promote hair growth and improve their structure.

For more information about the beneficial properties of chicory and unusual ways to use it in cooking, see the following video from the program "About the Most Important":

Soluble chicory during pregnancy.

And if you are expecting a baby and you are a coffee lover, then chicory will help you. During pregnancy, drinking coffee is, to put it mildly, undesirable ... How to be? A modest plant - chicory, will replace your coffee and will have a positive effect on you and your unborn baby. Soluble chicory is a very useful product for pregnant women. It will invigorate the work of the heart, support the liver, and contribute to the rapid removal of toxins, which is extremely important during pregnancy. Chicory regulates the work of the intestines, which will save a pregnant woman from constipation, etc. Its healing properties will relieve heartburn attacks.

Chicory - contraindications and harm. Why is chicory dangerous?

Speaking about the harm of chicory, it is necessary to list contraindications to its use. Chicory harm can not cause everyone. Its use should be abandoned to people suffering from varicose veins. Vascular diseases, asthma, bronchitis or chronic cough are diseases in which chicory is dangerous to health.

The benefits and harms of chicory, at times, border on each other. Chicory, the harm of which can be associated with a very useful component in its composition, should be used with caution. Ascorbic acid, which is part of it, quite often causes unexpected and unpleasant consequences in people whose body is predisposed to allergic reactions. Even if you add chicory to dishes in minimal doses, the risk of allergies, expressed in an overdose of vitamin C, is inevitable. It is known that hypervitaminization is dangerous in the same way as vitamin deficiency. Before using chicory and food products based on it in the diet, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Otherwise, it is a useful plant that deserves special attention.

It is important to remember that it is impossible to use it uncontrollably and in unlimited quantities, only use in minimal doses guarantees benefits to your body.

How to choose instant chicory?

Previously, when it was not easy to get instant chicory or chicory tincture, chicory root was processed at home. The collected roots were thoroughly dried, finely chopped, fried and ground. Now there is no such problem for the consumer and connoisseur of this drink, chicory can be purchased anywhere. It is found in departments with diabetic nutrition or in departments with teas, coffee and even in pharmacies. It is presented as soluble, as well as in the form of a powder and, in fact, the root.
Chicory powder should be dry, without lumps. When choosing chicory roots, make sure they are brownish and, most importantly, dry.

"AiF", as part of its project "Quality of the consumer basket", found out which of the manufacturers offers the best instant chicory (for reference: out of 27 samples of different manufacturers and brands purchased from well-known large retail chains, only seven corresponded to GOST developed by the Research Institute of the Food Concentrate Industry)

Have you ever tried a chicory drink? In this case, you should find out that, firstly, it is good for health, secondly, for the figure, and thirdly, it does not contain caffeine, which means you can drink it even late at night.

Today, chicory is sold in all supermarkets in the country, there are legends about its beneficial properties, but how true they are, and most importantly, how to distinguish a quality drink from a surrogate, only expertise can answer.
The Union of Consumers Roskontrol sent 9 samples of instant chicory brands to the laboratory: "Health", Dr. Dias, "Tselebnik", "Big Cup", "Zdravnik", "Tsikorich", Elite Health Line, Russian chicory, Great life.

TESTING RESULTS

"Health" natural soluble
The quality of the product corresponds to the GOST specified in the marking. The sample contains a large amount of inulin, which indicates its usefulness. The experts also highly appreciated the organoleptic characteristics of instant chicory of this brand.

"Russian chicory" natural soluble
The quality of the product corresponds to the GOST specified in the marking. The amount of inulin corresponds to the declared.

Dr. Dias classic instant
Inulin in the sample is 56.7% less than it should be in chicory. Also, during the tasting, experts noted a sour taste.

Elite Health Line instant
According to the content of inulin, the sample cannot be characterized as chicory. According to the organoleptic indicators of the finished drink and the content of inulin, it does not comply with GOST for a similar type of product.

GreatLife Instant Classic
Inulin in the sample is 68% less than it should be in chicory. In terms of solubility and organoleptic characteristics of the finished drink, it does not comply with GOST for a similar type of product.

"Tselebnik" natural soluble
This product does not correspond to the name "chicory" indicated in the labeling and GOST in terms of the content of inulin.

"Zdravnik" natural soluble
The content of inulin is 85% less than allowed by GOST for this type of product and 82% less than stated in the labeling. Such a low content of inulin is not typical for chicory.

"Cikorich" soluble
Inulin in the sample is 81% less than it should be in chicory. According to the organoleptic characteristics of the finished drink and the content of inulin, it does not comply with GOST for a similar type of product. Also, a small amount of caffeine, which is not typical for chicory, was found in the sample.

"Big Cup" classic natural instant
Does not correspond to the GOST specified in the marking and the name "chicory" in terms of inulin content, which is 90% less than allowed by GOST.

It's all about inulin

One of the most useful qualities of chicory is the content of inulin in it - a polysaccharide that reduces blood sugar levels, improves metabolism and digestion. Thanks to inulin, chicory is recommended for diabetics and people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

All available sources of information report that natural chicory cannot contain less than 30% inulin. The same indicators of the nutritional value of chicory are also indicated in GOST R 55512-2013 “Natural soluble chicory. Specifications". Only with a sufficient content of inulin, a drink can provide a person with an adequate dose of this beneficial substance. For a positive effect, an adult needs to receive about 2.5 g of inulin per day. If dry chicory contains the prescribed 30% inulin, this is about two cups of the finished drink per day.

For reference:
The national standard defines soluble natural chicory as a dry food product obtained from crushed fried chicory roots Cichorium intybus L. by extraction using water as an extractant and drying the extract in various ways and imposes a number of requirements on it, including organoleptic characteristics and inulin content .

The results of the examination showed that only two out of nine samples fit into the GOST standards

The results of the examination showed that only two out of nine samples fit into the GOST standards. This "Health", in 100 grams of which - 54.5 g of inulin. The content of inulin in "Russian chicory"- exactly 30%. Both of these drinks are made in accordance with GOST, as reported on the packaging. Although, mentioning the standard does not guarantee anything. The smallest amount of inulin (3%) was found in the Big Cup sample, also made according to GOST R 55512-2013.

The products of other manufacturers also cannot claim to be useful: 4.5% of inulin in "Zdravnik", 5.7% in "Cikoriche", 8% in Elite heal line, 8.5% in "Tselebnik", 9.6% - in a drink great life and finally 13% in Doctor Dias. All of the listed samples are included in the Black List of Roskontrol for insufficient inulin content - much less than the minimum possible for instant chicory.
Separately, it should be noted that if some of the violators prudently did not indicate on the packaging the content of inulin guaranteed by them, then on the label "Healer", "Zdravnik" And "Big Cup" it says "25 g of inulin per 100 g of product", which, given the results of the examination, can be classified as another consumer fraud.

Andrey Mosov, Head of Expert Direction, NP Roskontrol : Soluble chicory, in which inulin is several times less than it should be, cannot harm, but there is no more benefit from it than from a much cheaper coffee drink, which is made from barley or wheat grains. At the same time, many consumers include chicory in their diet, relying on its beneficial properties due to the high content of inulin. For the same reason, preschool and educational institutions replace coffee with chicory in the menu - chicory, unlike coffee, is allowed for feeding children of any age. Most likely, we are dealing with deliberate falsification, in which chicory is replaced with roasted cereal grains. Non-compliance with technological requirements by manufacturers can also lead to a decrease in the content of inulin.

Benefit without harm?

In the testing laboratory, the samples were tested for the content of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), as well as for microbiological indicators. From this point of view, all types of chicory have shown themselves to be completely safe. In most of them, microbial contamination is absent, and in "Russian chicory"- at the level of 0.05% of the maximum allowable.

In a drink "Cikorich" experts found a small amount of caffeine. And although its content is 50 times less than in coffee, it indicates the presence of caffeine-containing raw materials in the powder. What exactly it is is unknown. One can only assume that some by-products or even coffee production waste got into the drink. There can be no caffeine in real 100% chicory.

A little about taste

Experts and a focus group of consumers evaluated the organoleptic characteristics of the samples. Claims arose against the already mentioned "Tsikorichu". Its taste seemed to professional testers watery, without characteristic bitterness, and there was no aroma at all. In the smell of chicory great life tasters caught caramel notes, which, according to experts, may also indicate the presence of cereals - rye, barley, oats. There was also a slight sweetness in the taste of the drink. In addition, the presence of white inclusions of unknown origin was visually noted. This may indicate the content of some other ingredients in the drink, in addition to chicory extract, or the incorrect processing of the latter. The same is indicated by the low content of inulin in these samples. Astringent, with inharmonious bitterness, they called taste Elite Health Line. But testers from the focus group of ordinary consumers, who tested only samples not included in the Black List, liked the sample more "Health". Slightly lower, but also satisfactory ratings - "Russian chicory".