Curly Chicory Fine de Louviers - Cichorium endivia var. crispum

Cichorium endivia var. crispum Fine de Louviers is an early biennial vegetable plant that measures 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) tall. It is grown for its curly and crunchy leaves, which are extremely tasty. It forms a tight rosette with a full heart. The leaves can be consumed raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Sow from April to July for a harvest 3 months after sowing.

Curly endive is a vegetable plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It originates from wild chicory, which can be found naturally in meadows and along roadsides.

Curly endives have a rosette habit and green, cut and curly leaves. Some varieties need to be temporarily deprived of light to remove any possible bitterness, while others naturally whiten.

They are quite hardy but are a bit more sensitive to winter harshness than wild chicories. Therefore, it is advisable to provide protection such as a forcing cover or tunnel in particularly cold regions.

In the garden, they thrive in moderately rich soil that is rather moist but well-drained.

The leaves are primarily consumed raw in salads, but they can also be cooked in gratin, cream, braised, or in béchamel sauce.

They have purifying and slightly laxative properties.

Harvest: endives are harvested as needed and as they grow.

Storage: they can be stored for a few days in a cool place after harvest.

Gardener's tip: regular hoeing and weeding are recommended. Mulching is advised in case of drought.

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