Belgian Endive About 0.51 Kg Each • $13.21 / Kg Final Cost By Weight

**Belgian Endive** (pronounced en-dive, or en-deev in French) is a unique, cultivated vegetable known for its pale color, mild bitterness, and crisp texture. It belongs to the chicory family, along with radicchio and escarole. The distinct white-yellow color of Belgian endive is achieved through a specific growing process called "forcing," where the plant's roots are grown in the dark to prevent photosynthesis, which keeps the leaves tender and less bitter. ### **Characteristics and Uses** * **Appearance:** Small, tightly packed, torpedo-shaped heads with smooth, spoon-shaped leaves. They are typically white at the base and have pale yellow tips. A red variety is also available. * **Flavor:** It offers a delicate, subtly bitter, and slightly sweet flavor. The bitterness mellows out significantly when cooked. * **Culinary Uses:** * **Raw:** The sturdy, boat-shaped leaves are perfect for appetizers, used as a scoop or edible cup for fillings like tuna salad, goat cheese, dips, or shrimp salad. It's also sliced and added to salads for crunch. * **Cooked:** It holds its shape well and is excellent when braised, grilled, roasted, or sautéed. Cooking brings out its sweetness. ### **Key Nutrition & Health Benefits** Belgian endive is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable, particularly rich in certain vitamins and fiber. | Nutrient (per $100 \text{g}$ serving) | Value | Key Benefits | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Calories** | $\approx 17 \text{ kcal}$ | Very low-calorie and low-carb. | | **Vitamin K** | Very High | Crucial for blood clotting and important for bone health (helps in calcium fixation). | | **Folate (Vitamin B9)** | High | Essential for cell growth and DNA synthesis; important for heart health and preventing certain birth defects. | | **Fiber** | Good Source | Promotes digestive regularity and contains **Inulin** (a prebiotic fiber) that supports gut health. | | **Potassium** | Good Source | Helps manage blood pressure and is vital for heart function. | | **Vitamin A** | Good Source | Supports eye health and immune function. | ### **Buying and Storing Belgian Endive** Due to its unique growing process, Belgian endive requires careful selection and storage. #### **How to Select Fresh Endive** * **Look for Firmness:** Choose heads that feel very **dense and firm** when gently squeezed. * **Check Color and Tips:** The heads should be a pale white to yellow. Avoid heads with excessive greening (which indicates light exposure and will be more bitter), brown spots, or slimy leaves. * **Examine Leaves:** The leaves should be tightly wrapped around the head. #### **How to Store Endive** The primary rule for storing Belgian endive is to **keep it cool and in the dark** to prevent the leaves from turning green and becoming bitter. 1. **Keep it Wrapped:** If purchased wrapped in blue or tissue paper, leave it that way, or re-wrap it tightly in paper towels. 2. **Use a Plastic Bag:** Place the wrapped heads in a loosely sealed plastic bag or container. 3. **Refrigerate in the Dark:** Store it in the **crisper drawer** of your refrigerator. 4. **Shelf Life:** When stored properly, fresh Belgian endive can last from **one to two weeks**.