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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
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.
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Peak Fitness Meals San Diego | La Jolla CA | 303-912-7440 |
| Salvatore's | San Diego CA | 619-544-1865 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Lauberge Del MarLauberge | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Buona Forchetta | San Diego CA | 619-381-4844 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Pascucci Pasta | San Diego CA | 619-285-8000 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6800 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-398-3100 |
| Waypoint Public | San Diego CA | 619-255-8778 |
| St. Paul's Senior Services | San Diego CA | 619-239-3527 |
| Triton Boat | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| The Barrel Room | San Diego CA | 858-673-7512 |
| O'Brien's Pub | San Diego CA | 858-715-1745 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-238-9880 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Brandon Matzek- Blogger | San Diego CA | 800-221-9730 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Seasalt | Del Mar CA | 858-755-7100 |
| The Oceanaire Seafood Room | San Diego CA | 619-858-2277 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| The Miller's Table | Oceanside CA | 310-694-4091 |
| Toast Catering | san diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-3700 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Parakeet Cafe- Little Italy | San Diego CA | 6192970235 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Town & Country Cold Prep | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| Surf Side Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-507-0891 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Sur La Table-La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-228-1116 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Home Kitchen Culture | San Diego CA | 619-302-7655 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Tiger Tiger | San Diego CA | 619-764-5475 |
| Marriott Courtyard Nolen | San Diego CA | 619-544-1004 |
| Maretalia Ristorante Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Backyard Kitchen & Tap | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-0083 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Solterra Winery + Kitchen | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2970 |
| Paradise Point Resort Purchasing | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Spoutable | San Diego CA | 619-743-7491 |
| Urban Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| TBR & Mason Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-609-9245 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Trattoria Positano | Cardiff CA | 760-320-111 |
| The Wooden Spoon | Escondido CA | 760-445-2816 |
| Convivial Catering | San Diego CA | 760-828-8762 |
| 10 Barrel Brewing Co. | San Diego CA | 619-886-2743 |
| Maretalia Ristorante | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Belgian Endive. One
is easiest, three is harder.| The New York Times |
|
Seared Belgian Endive With Walnut Gremolata |
| Paleo Leap |
|
BLT Endive Bites |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Belgian Endive using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting 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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Creekside Market
British Columbia, Canada About 187 days ago, 8/13/18 Safeway Near Shoreline, Washington, United States About 292 days ago, 4/29/18 Spotter's comments : Belgian Endive spotted at Safeway. HoDo Near Moorhead, Minnesota, United States About 381 days ago, 1/31/18 Spotter's comments : I spotted Belgian Endive at Hotel Donaldson! 
Thriftway
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 521 days ago, 9/13/17 Spotter's comments : Belgian Endive spotted at Thriftway. |
