Gourmand

Chicory

Note Profile

Botanical

About

Chicory comes from the roots or leaves of Cichorium intybus, a plant native to Europe. The root is the usual part for fragrance, taken by solvent extraction or distillation. It smells green and earthy, with bitter and herbal tones like cut grass and damp soil. A hint of roasted root and a woody, nutty finish follow. It is used in the heart or base.

Scent Profile

Chicory in perfumery presents a green, earthy aroma with subtle bitter and herbal facets. It can evoke freshly cut grass, damp soil, and a hint of roasted root, evolving to reveal slightly woody and nutty undertones. The scent is nuanced, contributing a naturalistic and slightly wild character to compositions.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~12h lasting

Family Sweet & Gourmand, Woody & Earthy

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Chicory names no single substance

Reconstructed

Roasted chicory root is a coffee substitute, not a perfumery material.

How the layers join

Origin

Chicory is derived from the roots or leaves of Cichorium intybus, a plant native to Europe and cultivated in many regions. In fragrance, extracts are obtained through solvent extraction or distillation, with the root being the most common source for aromatic use.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use chicory primarily as a heart or base note to add depth and realism to green, fougère, or woody accords. It blends well with other green notes, vetiver, mosses, and aromatic herbs, supporting earthy or forest-inspired fragrances.