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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Escarole has broad, slightly curly, pale green leaves with a nutty, bitter taste similar to that of curly endive only with a less bitter bite. The fleshy, dark, outer leaves are more bitter in flavor than the lighter, inner leaves. Cooking will somewhat mellow the bitter flavor of Escarole. Escarole has a crunchy, crisp texture and holds its shape well even when cooked.
Seasons/Availability
Escarole is available year-round with a peak season in the spring and summer months.
Current Facts
Escarole is botanically classified as Cichorium endivia and is a member of the Cichorium genus. The Cichorium endivia species includes all the different varieties of curly endive and broad-leaved escarole. A “true” endive Escarole can also be known by the names Batavian, Bavarian and Broad-leaved endive.
Nutritional Value
Escarole is high in vitamin A which studies have shown can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cancer. It is also high in vitamin K which aids the body in blood clotting. In addition it contains significant amounts of folate, vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, iron and antioxidants such as flavonoids and lutein.
Applications
Escarole is mildly bitter and adds texture to both cooked and raw dishes. Chopped it can be combined with other greens and used in salad preparations. Its leaves are sturdy enough to stand up to creamy or warm dressings or to act as a salad bed for grilled meats. Add fresh leaves of Escarole to sandwiches or use in lieu of bread as a wrap. When cooked it can be sautéed, braised, stir-fried or added to soups and stews. Its flavor and texture marry well with salt rich meats such as bacon, sausage and prosciutto, white beans, apples, dates, citrus, shallots, fried garlic, avocado, cream based dressings, olive oil, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and cheeses such as blue, feta and pecorino. Escarole will keep, refrigerated, for up to a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Escarole is a signature ingredient in the Italian American holiday soup known as “Straciatella”. Commonly consumed on Christmas, New Years and occasionally on Easter “straccia” translates to mean “rags” in Italian. Its name is a nod to the raggedy appearance of the strings of egg and Escarole floating in the broth. It is also a common ingredient in Italian wedding soup or “minestra maritata” which translated to mean married soup, a reference to the way meat and greens pair together well in the soup.
Geography/History
True endives such as Escarole are believed to be native to Sicily and the Mediterranean region. It has been widely cultivated in England from at least the 1500s. It can be traced back to Greece, Rome and Egypt where it was used as a salad green. There are mentions of it made by Pliny and the poet Ovid in ancient Roman documents. Compared to the narrow leaved endive the wide leaved Escarole is believed to be the eldest variety. Endive is grown today predominately in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| Rare Society | San Diego CA | 619-501-6404 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Escarole. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Last Night's Dinner |
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Braised Escarole with White Beans and Olives |
| My Recipes |
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Skillet Chicken with Escarole and Pecorino |
| Striped Spatula |
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French Lentil Soup with Escarole |
Recently Shared
People have shared Escarole 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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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 302 days ago, 3/27/20 Sharer's comments : Escarole 
Borough Market
Elsey & Bent
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 441 days ago, 11/09/19 Sharer's comments : That is some fresh escarole endive at Elsey & Bent 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
The Garden Of...
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-245-1607 About 465 days ago, 10/16/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Eacarole 
Whole Foods Market
Near Austin, Texas, United StatesAbout 655 days ago, 4/09/19 Sharer's comments : Rare to find fresh Escarole ! |
