Chicory, typically Flemish
The chicory is actually a typical Flemish product. The root of the chicory plant is roasted and the result was used as a coffee substitute at the time. Today, this ancient tradition has fallen into disuse. The white leaves of the plant are also known as "chicory". The Audruicq – Oye-Plage region is the region par excellence: around 20,000 tonnes of it are processed annually.
Did you know… that a Chicory Festival is organised every year in Northern France?
Did you know... that there is even a separate booklet with recipes from northern France in which chicory is used? It was published in September 2020 and is entitled "La chicorée ça se cuisine!" (ISBN 978-2-9574448-0-9).
Did you know… that there is also a Chicory Route (region of Ardooie and Lichtervelde)?
Tip: if you want to eat a nice crème brûlée with chicory, you can go to “ l'Entre-Mers ” in Audinghen. That is close to the “Maison du site des 2 Caps”. This is located between the Cap-Gris-Nez and the Cap-Blanc-Nez . And while you are there, ask for the local, craft beer “2 Caps” . The brewery is not far from there and can be visited.
Wikipedia page about Chicory ( dutch, french ).
Location of Brasserie l'Entre-Mers on Google Maps.
