Choice and storage

Sugar leaf chicory (Cichorium endivia var. Porphyreum). Photograph courtesy: Suzie’s Farm.

Chicory greens greatest accessible throughout winter months, though hydroponically grown contemporary endive will be purchased year-round within the US. Select the greens with a pale heart surrounded by agency, shiny, crisp leaves which can be very curly and vivid inexperienced. Keep away from wilted, robust, and discolored (yellow) leaves.

To retailer, place chicory greens or escarole in a perforated plastic bag, or wrap loosely in a humid paper/material. Keep away from inserting in shut packs. Discard wilted or brown-tipped leaves. Rightly saved greens might final for 1 week within the fridge set at applicable humidity.

Preparation and serving strategies

Simply earlier than utilizing, wash chicory and escarole rapidly in chilly water with out letting it soak. Take away any withered leaves and arduous sections. Minimize and season solely simply earlier than utilizing.

Chicory and escarole are utilized in the identical manner as lettuce or spinach, which they exchange or mixed with.

Listed below are some serving ideas:

• Uncooked, particularly served dressed with a French dressing or mayonnaise. They kind an fascinating combine with different greens.

• Chicory will be braised or added to soups on the finish of cool g time for taste. White bean and escarole soup is well-liked South Italian recipe.

• Belgian endive is used uncooked in salads or braised and served as a vegetable.

• It may also be braised, then chopped utilized in flans, omelets and quiche.

Security profile

Chicory greens extensively consumed throughout Europe and American states. Though this inexperienced leafy vegetable comprises excessive concentrations of bitter glycosides and inulin, no recognized uncomfortable side effects to date notified when utilized in average portions.(Medical disclaimer).

Additionally learn ≻≻-

≻≻- Endive nutition info and Well being beenfits.

≻≻- 12 wonderful well being advantages of Chicory root.

≻≻-Again to Greens from Chicory greens. Go to right here for a formidable listing of greens with full illustrations of their diet info and
well being advantages.

≻≻-Again to House web page.

Additional assets:

1. USDA Nationwide Nutrient knowledge base.

2. House gardening collection-College of Arkansas division of Agriculture-pdf.

3. Present Advances in Genomics and Breeding of Leaf Chicory.