Joanna Ryan, age 11, of Rainier, Ore., for her question:

WHY IS CHICORY ADDED TO SOME COFFEE?

Chicory, which is cultivated as a crop in the United States and southern Canada, grows wild in Europe, Asia and in parts of North America. Its root is sometimes used as a coffee substitute and it is also added occasionally to coffee.

Some people like the flavor of chicory in their coffee, and that's the reason it is added. The mixture can be purchased in most markets.

The pure‑food laws in the United States forbid the mixing of ground chicory root with coffee unless the label is plainly marked.

Chicory has spreading branches, coarse leaves and bright blue, pink or white flowers. The root of the plant is fleshy, long and milky. The plant is also called succory.