Escarole Cornet de Bordeaux - Cichorium endivia var. latifolium

Cichorium endivia Cornet de Bordeaux is a beautiful, hardy variety that is very resistant to cold. This biennial vegetable plant, measuring 50cm (20in), is cultivated for its entire and crunchy leaves. It forms a beautiful head of upright leaves that can be consumed raw or cooked. The sowing period is from July to August for a harvest 3 months after sowing.

It belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as wide leaf endive (without being a common endive), white chicory, or escarole. It comes from wild chicory that is naturally found in meadows and roadside edges.

It has a rosette habit and fairly large, undulate green leaves. The heart is white, with a slight yellow border. Some varieties need to be temporarily deprived of light to soften the heart and remove any potential bitterness, while others naturally blanch.

It is quite hardy but is more susceptible 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, it thrives 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.

It has purifying and slightly laxative properties.

Harvest: harvest as needed and as they grow.

Storage: it can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator after harvest.

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