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Pure chicory root extract is an herbal remedy that is extracted from the chicory plant root through different methods. Chicory is a plant that is native to Europe but has now been widely spread to many other parts of the world. It’s often used in many meals and beverages, as well as medicine.
The root of the chicory plant contains inulin, a soluble fiber that has a lot of health benefits. When inulin is isolated from the chicory root, it forms a thick liquid (often called chicory root extract). This is, however, not the only form of inulin. It can also be made into a powder through boiling, drying, and grinding the root into powder. Chicory root is usually light in color, but it can also be darker, depending on the source or processing method.
Some common types of pure chicory root extraction methods include:
Water extraction
This is one of the most common methods used for obtaining pure chicory root extract. Since inulin is very soluble in water, the extraction process uses hot water to dissolve the inulin and leave behind other insoluble fibers. The solution is then concentrated to remove excess water, leaving behind either a thick liquid or a powder.
Alcohol extraction
Chicory extracts can also be done using alcohol. Since alcohol can dissolve a wide range of substances, this method can be used to extract different compounds in the chicory root. Alcohol may be used alone or in combination with water.
Solvent extraction
Like alcohol extraction, other non-water-soluble solvents such as ethyl acetate and methanol may also be used to extract pure chicory root extract. Different solvents may be used to isolate specific components of the root to get concentrated extracts.
Mechanical extraction
In some cases, the chicory root may be mechanically processed using high pressure and temperature to extract the juice. Once the juice is obtained, it’s processed to isolate and purify inulin and other components.
Pure chicory root extract can be used in many applications, especially in the health and food industries. When purchasing chicory root extract, business owners must consider the following factors:
Purity and quality
When looking for chicory root extracts, business owners should ensure it’s made from 100% chicory root to ensure it’s pure and free from additives and impurities. This information is mostly indicated on the product label. Chicory root extracts are often available in powder form, and when buying in powder form, buyers should look out for fine and uniform powder consistency. Coarse powders may not be fully pure and can affect product effectiveness.
The extraction method can also affect the quality of the extract. Water and alcohol extraction methods are less likely to cause destruction to the nutrients, while harsh chemical extractions may lead to contamination or purifies. Buyers should also consider organic certifications when purchasing chicory root extracts from suppliers who deal with organic products. The suppliers should also provide third-party lab testing results to verify the extract's purity. Lab testing results can also be used to check whether the extract contains inulin (that is soluble fiber) and other phytochemicals.
Sourcing and supply chain
In most cases, the source where the chicory plants are grown can directly affect the quality of the root. Buyers should consider the extract's country of origin and ensure they take this into consideration when looking for suppliers. Reputable suppliers will always provide information on where they got the chicory root and the growing conditions. Buyers should evaluate the suppliers' farms for themselves, if possible, and ensure they have the capacity to produce high-quality, high-yield chicory roots consistently.
As a business owner, buyers should look for suppliers who can offer bulk orders. As a buyer, one can forge long-term relationships with trusted suppliers to ensure a consistent supply. When purchasing chicory root extract with specific countries of origin in mind, ensure there are multiple sources to ensure there is an alternative in case of disruption. When choosing a supplier, it’s also important to consider the supplier’s reputation and reliability. Business owners may look for reviews and testimonials from other customers or check their business records for themselves to ensure they’ve always been timely and communicative. Assess the supplier's capacity to provide consistent quality and quantity. This can sometimes be determined by their infrastructure and the number and quality of their workforce.
Market demand and application
There are many applications of pure chicory root extracts. For instance, it is commonly used in the food and beverage industry as a dietary supplement to promote digestive health due to the presence of inulin. It’s also used as a coffee substitute in the food industry. Depending on the intended use in the products being considered, business owners should look for extracts with specific concentrations or forms. Request information on the extract's inulin content and other related fibers or compounds to ensure it will work in the intended applications and have the desired benefits. Chicory root extracts can sometimes be used as a natural food additive to replace sugar and increase fiber content. If buyers want to use the extract for these purposes, they should ensure it has the right granularity and flow properties.
Pure chicory root extract can be used in many ways:.Some common usage include:
As dietary supplement
One of the most common uses of pure chicory root extract is as a dietary supplement. It’s mostly available in capsule or powder form and can be added to drinks or taken with food. Chicory root extracts also contain inulin, a soluble fiber that supports digestive health. It may help increase the number of probiotics in the gut and alleviate constipation.
Food and beverage industry
Chicory root is commonly used as a coffee substitute in many industries. It’s often added to caffeine-free coffee alternatives and tea. Chicory root also acts as a natural sweetener because of its mild sweetness. It can, therefore, be added to breakfast cereals, snack bars, and other foods. In some industries, extracted inulin is incorporated into processed foods to increase fiber content. For instance, it’s added to yogurt, plant-based milk, and meat alternatives.
Cosmetic products
Chicory root extract is sometimes added to skin care products for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It’s often added to creams, lotions, and serums. Chicory root extracts also contain antioxidants that protect skin from environmental damage. Some manufacturers incorporate chicory root extracts into hair care products to promote healthy looking hair and scalp. Chicory root is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish and strengthen hair.
Pharmaceutical products
In traditional medicine, chicory root extract has been used to treat various ailments. Today, it’s mostly used to prepare herbal medicines and tinctures. Because it’s rich in antioxidants, chicory root extracts may be used to prepare supplements for overall wellness.
Post-extraction residue
In the coffee industry, chicory root may sometimes be added to coffee grounds to increase yield when making coffee beverages. It’s also incorporated into animal feed to provide extra fiber and nutrients.
For optimum effectiveness, pure chicory root extract should be appropriately stored and maintained. Some tips on how to store and maintain chicory root extracts include:
Airtight containers
Chicory root extracts are highly sensitive to moisture. If they come into contact with water, they clump and become ineffective. To prevent this from happening, store chicory root extracts in airtight containers. This also protects the extracts from contaminants such as dust, chemicals, or other foreign materials.
Store in cool, dry place
Heat can degrade the quality of pure chicory root extracts over time. High temperatures also adversely affect the potency and may even break down nutrients such as inulin. To prolong the shelf life of chicory root extracts, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A pantry or a dedicated storage room with stable temperature conditions is often ideal for this purpose.
Label and rotate stock
If storing multiple batches of chicory root extracts, label each container with the date it was received and the batch number. This information is sometimes found on product labels. To ensure freshness and quality, practice the rule of first in, first out (FIFO). This means using older stock before newer stock to prevent expiration and degradation of older extracts.
Regularly check on the extracts
This is especially important if the containers were not airtight or there were multiple openings. Occasionally examine the extracted for any signs of clumping, changes in color, or off odors. These are sometimes indicators of contamination or spoilage. If there are any changes, it may be a sign to discard the extract and find a new source.
Avoid using wet utensils
Chicory root extracts often clump together if they’re exposed to moisture. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, use dry utensils when scooping the powder from the container. Wet or damp utensils can introduce extra moisture into the extract, leading to clumping and spoilage. Always ensure the utensils are completely dry before using them.
In recent years, sustainability has become a big concern for many consumers. To ensure sustainability, buyers should look for suppliers who adhere to environmentally friendly farming practices. They should also consider chicory root extracts that are certified organic and explore options for using recycled or eco-friendly packaging.
The most common signs of chicory root extract contamination or spoilage are a change in color, the presence of foreign materials, and off odors. In some cases, mold may also grow on the extract. In other cases, chicory root extracts also clump together due to moisture presence.
When stored in cool, dry conditions in airtight containers, pure chicory root extract can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years. However, its specific shelf life may be determined by the extraction method and packaging used.
