Endive
Fall, Winter, Spring
Health Benefits
Endive helps maintain the digestive systems metabolic balance, strengthens the immune system, detoxifies the body, and promotes intestinal regulatory. It is also a good diuretic, laxative, and will dissolve kidney stones. Endive also has large quantities of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.
History
Endive was accidently discovered by a Belgian farmer in 1830 when he stored chicory roots (used as a coffee substitute) in the cellar and forgot about them. To his surprise, he found that they had sprouted white leaves. Curious, he decided to have a taste and found them to be tender, crunchy, moist, and slightly bitter.
Recipes to Try
How to Store
Store in a cool, dark area. Wrap leaves in a paper towel and place inside of a plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator. Endive will keep for 2-3 days.
How to Prepare
Pull off any wilted or brown leaves. Wash head under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel. Slice off at about 1/8th inch from the stem end. Use a paring knife to cut a cone shape about ½-inch deep from the stem end. Endive leaves turn brown quickly when cut. Wait until just before serving to slice raw endive.
Ways to Enjoy
Enjoy endive raw, grilled, roasted, or stuffed. Use as a pizza topping or as an edition to a smoothie or salad. Try sautéed and drizzled with a little bit of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add to stir-fry or try swapping out crackers for endive leaves to use for your vegetable dips.
Health Benefits
Endive helps maintain the digestive systems metabolic balance, strengthens the immune system, detoxifies the body, and promotes intestinal regulatory. It is also a good diuretic, laxative, and will dissolve kidney stones. Endive also has large quantities of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.