Curly Endive Fine de Meaux - Cichorium endivia crispum

Curly Endive is a vegetable plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has the Latin name Cichorium endivia crispum and is also known as endive chicory, and narrow-leafed endive, although it is not a common endive in the usual sense. It is derived from wild chicory, which is naturally found in meadows and along roadsides.

Curly Endive plants have a rosette habit and green, cut and curly leaves. Some varieties need to be temporarily deprived of light to remove any possible bitterness, while others naturally whiten.

They are quite hardy but are a bit more sensitive to winter harshness than wild chicories. Therefore, it is advisable to provide protection such as a forcing cover or tunnel in particularly cold regions.

In the garden, they thrive in moderately rich soil that is rather moist but well-drained.

The leaves are primarily consumed raw in salads, but they can also be cooked in gratin, cream, braised, or in béchamel sauce.

They have purifying and slightly laxative properties.

Harvest: endives are harvested as needed and as they grow.

Storage: they can be stored for a few days in a cool place after harvest.

Gardener's tip: regular hoeing and weeding are recommended. Mulching is advised in case of drought.