Endive and escarole grow best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Endive and escarole are different forms of the same plant. Escarole is broad-leaved with smooth margins and a mild flavor. Endive has frilly cut leaves and a bitter flavor. Planting for fall and winter harvest may be the best course unless you…
Endive
How to Harvest and Store Endive and Escarole
Harvest endive and escarole when the leaves are large enough to eat. Endive and escarole mature 50 to 70 days after sowing but they can be harvested sooner. Endive is also called curly endive and frisee—it has frilly or ruffled leaves. Escarole is also called broad-leaved endive—it has smooth, broad leaves. Endive has a sharp…
How to Grow Endive and Escarole
Curly or curled endive and escarole are cool-weather vegetables; they are varieties of the same plant. Curly endive has curled, ruffled leaves and escarole has smooth leaves. Curly endive is sometimes called frisee. Sow endive or escarole seed in the garden as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the average date of the last…
Escarole and Curly Endive Serving Tips
Curly endive and escarole are both chicories of the same species. These two slightly bitter-tasting leafy greens can be eaten raw in winter or spring salads or added to soups where their tastes become mild. Curly endive has narrow, finely cut, curly leaves. Escarole has smooth, rounded, broad leaves. Often, the names endive, escarole, and…
Belgian Endive Serving Tips
Belgian endive is commonly served raw added to winter salads or braised and served with a white sauce. Belgian endive can also be steamed, parboiled, and prepared in a gratin. The closely wrapped creamy white leaves of Belgian endive form a firm elongated, spear-shaped heart. The leaves are slightly pungent. Belgian endive is harvested autumn…
