Choice and storage

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

Chicory greens are greatest out there throughout winter months, though hydroponically grown recent endive might be purchased year-round within the US. Select the greens with a pale middle surrounded by agency, shiny, crisp leaves which can be very curly and vivid inexperienced. Keep away from wilted, powerful, 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 may final for 1 week within the fridge set at acceptable humidity.

Preparation and serving strategies

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

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

Listed below are some serving ideas:

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

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

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

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

Security profile

Chicory greens are broadly consumed throughout Europe and American states. Though this inexperienced leafy vegetable incorporates excessive concentrations of bitter glycosides and inulin, no identified unwanted side effects up to now notified when utilized in reasonable portions.(Medical disclaimer).

Additionally learn ≻≻-

≻≻- Endive nutition information and Well being beenfits.

≻≻- 12 superb 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 information and
well being advantages.

≻≻-Again to House web page.

Additional sources:

1. USDA Nationwide Nutrient knowledge base.

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

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