Endive

🥬 **Endive (Chicory)** **'Endive'** refers to several varieties of leafy chicory plants (*Cichorium* genus), known for their crisp texture and characteristic **subtle to pronounced bitterness**. This bitterness makes it a highly valued counterpoint to rich, creamy, or sweet ingredients. There are three main types, often simply called "endive" in grocery stores, which differ significantly in appearance and flavour: * **Belgian Endive** (*Chicory, Witloof*): * **Appearance:** Small, oblong, and tightly packed heads of pale yellow to white, firm leaves. It is grown in complete darkness (a two-step process) to prevent photosynthesis, keeping it tender and pale. * **Flavour/Use:** The mildest variety, offering a crisp, slightly sweet, and only moderately bitter flavour. Its sturdy, boat-shaped leaves are perfect for scooping dips and appetisers. * **Curly Endive (Frisée):** * **Appearance:** Loose, bushy heads of finely cut, lacy, and **frilly leaves**. The inner heart is often blanched to a pale yellow. * **Flavour/Use:** More assertively bitter and peppery than Belgian endive. The airy texture is highly valued in salads, such as the classic *Salade Lyonnaise*, where its bitterness is balanced by a rich bacon vinaigrette and a poached egg. * **Escarole (Broad-leaf Endive):** * **Appearance:** A looser head with **broad, slightly wavy green leaves**, similar to a sturdy leaf lettuce. * **Flavour/Use:** The mildest in bitterness among the three. The tougher outer leaves are excellent cooked, often braised or added to soups (like Italian Wedding Soup), while the tender inner leaves are used raw in salads. When cooked, the bitterness of all endive varieties mellows, developing a more nutty and earthy sweetness