If you are new to South Indian filter coffee or someone who is searching for the best guide to help you brew the perfect cup of filter coffee, finding the right coffee chicory ratios can be more challenging and difficult than it seems. And that is why we are here to help you to find your ideal coffee chicory ratio preferences. Read on to learn more about it.

Do you recall learning that chicory is a coffee adulterant? Chicory has always been misunderstood and a hot topic among coffee enthusiasts as a harmful substance that is purposefully mixed with coffee to increase its quantity at the expense of quality. Though this is only one factor, there are numerous advantages to chicory that we frequently overlook. Now is the time to dispel all of the myths surrounding chicory and discover how this plant can be used to make a delicious cup of filter coffee.

Chicory, scientifically known as Cichorium intybus, is a blue flowered, woody, and herbaceous plant in the Dandelion family. Chicory roots are dried, roasted and grounded before being added to coffee as an additive or used as a coffee substitute. Chicory is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their caffeine consumption. Some people add chicory roots to hot water to make a caffeine-free beverage, while others put a small amount of chicory in their regular coffee to make it less caffeinated.
Read this article to explore more into the world of chicory: Chicory - A Unique Ingredient

Ground chicory smells and tastes very similar to ground coffee, but with a more mellow undertone and a subtle, earthy taste. Most importantly, South Indians enjoy adding chicory to their coffee as it serves in the preparation of the perfect cup of filter coffee.

So when talking about adding chicory to your coffee, many people will be confused about how much chicory-coffee ratio is appropriate. As plenty prefer strong coffee, others prefer a lighter flavour, changing depending upon the time of the day they are consuming coffee, hence it is vital to understand and master these ratios to make the perfect cup every time you brew filter coffee. But what exactly are these ratios? And how does it affect the flavour? And how can it be tailored to your coffee preferences? Thinking about all of this may make you feel overwhelmed, and attempting this may appear to be a tedious step for those who are new to the world of chicory coffee. That is why we include a standard ratio guide in our products to help you better understand your coffee preferences and avoid making a bad ratio guide yourself.

Leo’s Filter coffee blends to get you started with authentic filter coffee

Madras Blend:

This 80:20 coffee chicory blend is by far the most popular South Indian filter coffee powder. A blend of the best-handpicked coffee beans from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, pre-ground and mixed with high-quality Jamnagar Chicory. The rich and creamy texture of chicory lends itself to a heavy-bodied coffee with a bittersweet aftertaste. Once the decoction is extracted, it tastes best with milk. Sugar can be added according to preferences.

Degree Blend:

The Degree Blend, another of Leo’s signature coffee chicory blends, has a slightly higher chicory ratio of 30% and is ideal for filter coffee lovers who prefer their coffee medium strong and heavy-bodied. Although this blend produces a strong decoction, the absence of caffeine in chicory reduces the overall caffeine content of the blend. As a result, chicory blends are an excellent choice for those who prefer a rich and creamy cup with less caffeine.

Breakfast Blend:

This 60:40 coffee chicory combination is the strongest of all the filter coffee blends available, yet it also has the least caffeine level. The Coffee beans are procured from Karnataka's greatest coffee-growing regions with high-quality Jamnagar chicory. The high chicory concentration results in a coffee that is heavy-bodied and highly creamy. This is an excellent alternative for individuals who prefer their filter coffee decoction to have a thick consistency. 

To make an authentic cup of filter coffee, remember to only brew these blends with a south Indian filter(Brass or stainless steel). Now that you have understood the basics of coffee: chicory ratio, it's time to try and find out which blend suits your preferences. Check out this blog on how to brew filter coffee-the south Indian way  to help you perfect your South Indian filter coffee