What does succory mean?
Succory is an uncommon name for chicory, a perennial plant with daisy-like blue flowers, edible leaves, and a long, strongly flavoured root. Its leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, while its roasted root has been used for centuries to prepare a bitter beverage resembling coffee. Before coffee became widely affordable, chicory root was an economical substitute; it also became a traditional way to extend or adulterate ground coffee, particularly in Europe. The word is encountered in historical writing, botanical descriptions, discussions of traditional beverages, and modern food and gardening contexts. Although “chicory” is now the standard name in most English-speaking countries, “succory” remains useful as a historical term and can evoke the plant’s former association with coffee and distinctive bitter flavour.
nounThe chicory plant, especially its leaves and roots, which are used as a vegetable and as a coffee substitute.
- The chicory plant, Cichorium intybus.
- The root of the chicory plant, especially when roasted and prepared as a coffee substitute or beverage.
"Roasted succory root was used as a coffee substitute in Europe long before it became a common adulterant of ground coffee."
"The garden was bordered with succory, whose blue flowers opened in the morning."
"She added roasted succory to the blend to give the coffee a bitter, roasted note."
The plural is possible but uncommon; ordinary modern usage usually refers to a plant collectively as chicory.
"Several succories grew along the sunny edge of the field."
Once a familiar coffee substitute, succory root is now remembered largely by the bitter taste that long ago helped adulterators pass it off as the real thing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does succory come from?
Succory derives through English from forms associated with Medieval Latin succoria and Italian cicoria, both names for chicory. These forms are commonly traced to the Greek kikoria, also the source of the botanical genus name Cichorium. The English spelling developed through older continental forms and became established by the early modern period.
How succory is actually used
Succory is now uncommon in everyday English. It survives especially in historical, botanical, and food contexts and may sound old-fashioned or regional.
Easily confused with succory
Chicory is the usual modern name for the plant, while succory is a less common traditional name, especially associated with its root and its former use as a coffee substitute.