Chicory is a woody, herbaceous plant related to endives and daisies. It can be recognized by its distinctive blue flowers, and its roots are the basis for chicory beverages and concentrates. Chicory has been consumed for centuries: first used in Ancient Egypt as a digestive aid, its real success came in the early 1800s, when conflict between England and France resulted in shipping disruptions from the Americas. Left without coffee, the French turned to chicory instead. Today, chicory can be found worldwide, including in the United States, where French settlers originally introduced it to the Louisiana area.