Endive

The end

ive or chicory, both spellings are correct, is a herbaceous plant, cultivated for its leaves bitter taste. It consumes tender leaf buds and pale in color.

They originated in the Mediterranean area and come from wild chicory (Cichorium intybus).

Uses endives

The endive salad is usually prepared in where you can fully appreciate its crisp, juicy texture and slightly sweet taste with a touch bitter. It is very good dressed with just olive oil, salt and vinegar but the best and most delicious is to serve endive with a strong cheese sauce or yogurt.

Today it is becoming fashionable too, especially in haute cuisine, prepared boiled or stewed endives.

Nutritional properties

For its low calorie content, it is part of many diets. Furthermore they are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium.

They are beneficial for its appetizers, to help the digestive system to remove both gases and acidity to promote intestinal transit. They are also diuretic and help to improve blood circulation.