Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Belgian endive is shaped like a torpedo and grows to about six inches in length. It has tender white leaves with either yellow or red-colored leaf edges. The leaves offer a soft texture and delicate crunch with a pleasantly bitter flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Belgian endive is available year-round with a peak season in the winter months.
Current Facts
Belgian endive and endive are both in the chicory genus. However, Belgian endive is botanically known as part of Chichorium intybus and is grown from chicory roots in a dark environment, while endive is botanically known as Cichorium endive and grown in the fields as a green curly lettuce. Belgian endive is also known as Witloof chicory (Flemish for ‘white leaf’) and in Belgium by the nickname, white gold.
Nutritional Value
Belgian endive is a source of thiamin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, as well as folate and copper. It also contains intybin which is not only responsible for the bitter taste of the leaves but is also known to be an appetite stimulant and a digestive aid. When consumed in large amounts Belgian endive can also act as a diuretic and laxative.
Applications
While Belgian endive is commonly used raw in recipes it is also versatile in cooked preparations. Roast whole or halved endive with olive oil until softened and serve as a side dish with grated cheese. Grill endive halves and add to cooked grains or serve atop pizza. Add chopped or halved to tarts, quiche, soups, stews and stir-fries. When raw it can be chopped and used in a salad or individual leaves can be stuffed with other complimentary ingredients as a canapé. Braising Belgian endive in butter will slightly mellow the bitterness of the vegetable. The bitter flavor of Belgian endive pairs well with onion, pear, apple, cranberries, herbs such as basil and thyme, walnuts, pecans, butter, cream based sauces, olive oil, bacon lardons, prosciutto, lamb, poultry and gorgonzola, manchengo, blue and feta cheeses. Endive will keep refrigerated for one to two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States Belgian endive is considered to be a gourmet and expensive vegetable and typically used raw in salads or as an appetizer consisting of individually stuffed leaves. In its native France and in the Netherlands Belgian endive is an inexpensive, commonly consumed winter and spring vegetable and used most often in hot preparations and on occasion raw in salads. There are several classic French dishes that call for Belgian endive such as endive au gratin and braised endives.
Geography/History
Modern cultivation of Belgian endive was first discovered in the 1830's by Jan Lammers a Belgian chicory farmer, who stored the roots in his cellar for drying to use as a coffee substitute. However, after several months, he found the roots had sprouted small white leaves, which he tasted and found tender, moist, and pleasingly bitter. It took another few decades to commercially cultivate this 'witloof'. The chicory is grown from seeds, the roots are harvested, and taken indoors to grow again in a dark environment, using a labor-intensive growing technique called "blanching" to produce the Belgium endive. Commercially grown Belgian endive is exported mainly from western Europe with Belgium contributing the largest share.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Seneca | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| Verbena Kitchen LLC | San Diego CA | 609-458-1672 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
| Paradise Point Resort BQT Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Valentina | Encinitas CA | 207-522-1937 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| San Diego Cellars 2017 | San Diego CA | 760-207-5324 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Four Seasons Foods Catering | San Diego CA | 619-876-6986 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Wolfies Carousel | San Diego CA | 909-477-1291 |
| International Smoke Del Mar | San Diego CA | 619-331-4528 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-451-9100 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-670-5807 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Marys Gourmet Salads | La Jolla CA | 858-925-4690 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Barbusa | San Diego CA | 619-297-6333 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Belgian Endive. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Well Fed |
|
Grilled Belgian Endive with Quince Vinaigrette |
| Meathenge |
|
Braised Endive |
Recently Shared
People have shared Belgian Endive using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Borough Market
Turnips
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 https://turnipsboroughmarket.com About 125 days ago, 9/19/21 
Mount Royal Foods
Mount Royal Fine Foods
Near Duluth, Minnesota, United States1600 Woodland Ave Duluth MN 55803 218-728-3665 http://mountroyalfinefoods.com About 544 days ago, 7/26/20 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 698 days ago, 2/23/20 Sharer's comments : Decadent, crisp green, with a bite :) 
Ralphs
Near Pasadena, California, United StatesAbout 721 days ago, 1/31/20 |
