Produce Briefs...
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are members if the Brassica family and therefor kin to broccoli and cabbage. They do, indeed, resemble miniature cabbage. They are hardy and slow growing winter vegetable.
Fresh Green Garlic
Grown in California, regarded as a spring delicacy, fresh green garlic are very young garlic before they begin to form bulbils or cloves.
Seasons/Availability
Belgian Endive is available year round with a peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Belgian endive and endive are both in the chicory family. However, Belgian endive is grown from chicory roots in a dark environment, while endive is grown in the fields as a green curly lettuce.
Description/Taste
Shaped like a small torpedo, Belgian endive grows to about six inches in length. It has tender white leaves with either yellow or red-colored leaf edges and a slightly bitter flavor. The only difference between green or yellow Belgian endive and red Belgian endive is color; they are genetically the same.
Nutritional Value
Belgian endive is a source of beta-carotene, potassium, vitamins A, B and C, as well as folate and selenium. It is a known digestive aid.
Applications
While Belgian endive is commonly used fresh in recipes it is also versatile in cooking preparations. Roast whole or halved endive with olive oil until softened and serve as a side dish with grated cheese. Grill endive halves, chop and add to cooked grains and vinaigrette. Chop endive and onions then cook until softened, add vegetable stock, cream, then puree into soup. Slice fresh endive into a salad with pomegranate seeds and sliced kumquats. Endive will keep refrigerated for one to two weeks.
Geography/History
Belgian endive was discovered in the 1830's by 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 16 years to commercially cultivate this "witloof" or "white leaf." 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.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
the other 10...
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Belgian Endive. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Belgian Endive is available year round with a peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Belgian endive and endive are both in the chicory family. However, Belgian endive is grown from chicory roots in a dark environment, while endive is grown in the fields as a green curly lettuce.
Description/Taste
Shaped like a small torpedo, Belgian endive grows to about six inches in length. It has tender white leaves with either yellow or red-colored leaf edges and a slightly bitter flavor. The only difference between green or yellow Belgian endive and red Belgian endive is color; they are genetically the same.
Nutritional Value
Belgian endive is a source of beta-carotene, potassium, vitamins A, B and C, as well as folate and selenium. It is a known digestive aid.
Applications
While Belgian endive is commonly used fresh in recipes it is also versatile in cooking preparations. Roast whole or halved endive with olive oil until softened and serve as a side dish with grated cheese. Grill endive halves, chop and add to cooked grains and vinaigrette. Chop endive and onions then cook until softened, add vegetable stock, cream, then puree into soup. Slice fresh endive into a salad with pomegranate seeds and sliced kumquats. Endive will keep refrigerated for one to two weeks.
Geography/History
Belgian endive was discovered in the 1830's by 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 16 years to commercially cultivate this "witloof" or "white leaf." 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.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Bernard'O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-487-7171 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Bice Ristorante | San Diego CA | 469-450-3519 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Villa Capri Cucina Italiana | San Diego CA | 858-720-8777 |
| Cowboy Star | San Diego CA | 619-450-5880 |
| Pantry in Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1221 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Roy's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-455-1616 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| The Farm House Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-269-9662 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6800 |
| Neighborhood Burger Miscellaneous | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| Toast Catering | La Mesa CA | 619-464-0201 |
| Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-238-9880 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Kensington Grill | San Diego CA | 619-281-4014 |
| Urban Solace | San Diego CA | 619-295-6464 |
| Currant | San Diego CA | 619-702-6309 |
| West Steak and Seafood | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-9100 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Market Restaurant and Bar | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0007 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Neighborhood Burger Wine and Beer | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Belgian Endive. One
is easiest, three is harder.
