Endive and Escarole
The Basics
Folks in Europe buy endive like we do lettuce. We don’t grow the pointy pod-shaped Belgian endive, it’s the big green curly head of endive that we have. This plant comes from the chicory family and shares the characteristic touch of bitter flavor that makes it a great pairing with sweeter salad dressings, roasted beets, candied pecans. Incorporate some endive into each salad you make for more flavor.
Endive is high in folate and vitamins A and K. It’s also great wilted or sauteed in any dish you’re making.
Escarole is very similar in flavor and use, but has broader leaves.