Choice and storage

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

Chicory greens are finest accessible throughout winter months, though hydroponically grown recent endive could 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/fabric. Keep away from putting 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 shortly in chilly water with out letting it soak. Take away any withered leaves and arduous sections. Lower and season solely simply earlier than utilizing.

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

Listed here are some serving suggestions:

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

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

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

• It can 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 recognized unwanted side effects thus far notified when utilized in reasonable portions.(Medical disclaimer).

Additionally learn ≻≻-

≻≻- Endive nutition info 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 checklist of greens with full illustrations of their diet info and
well being advantages.

≻≻-Again to Dwelling web page.

Additional sources:

1. USDA Nationwide Nutrient information base.

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

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