The Basnæs chicory adventure
Common chicory, or Cichorium
intybus,
is a long-stemmed plant with bright blue flowers. In the 1930s and
'40s, it was a familiar sight on the fields between the manor of
Basnæs and Tjæreby.
In 1933 a company called De forenede Cikorietørrerier A/S (United chicory driers) bought Basnæs. Chicory was harvested and dried so that its roots could be roasted and ground and the product used as a coffee substitute. Chicory coffee became popular during World War II when it was impossible to obtain real coffee. One of the names it was sold under was Richs. When Danes were again able to buy coffee, the chicory adventure came to an end and the facility was finally abandoned.
The old drying plant is still visible on the route between Tjæreby and Basnæs. Chicory has no role in Danish agriculture today, but the plant is something to admire along roads and ditches. Common chicory flowers in late summer.
Source: Skælskør Lokal Arkiv (Skælskør Local Archives)