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cultivated endive

Scientific Name: Cichorium endivia

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Endive: A Leafy Green with a Bitter Bite

Endive, scientifically known as Cichorium endivia, is a cultivated leafy vegetable belonging to the chicory genus. It's often enjoyed in salads for its crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor.

Considerations for Children

  • Endive leaves, particularly the curly or fringed varieties (frisee), may have serrated edges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
  • Scientific Name: Cichorium endivia L.
  • Synonyms: Cultivated endive
  • Common Names:
    • Endive
    • Escarole
    • Belgian endive (when referring to Cichorium intybus)
    • Witloof/Witlof (Dutch name for Belgian endive)
  • Varieties:
    • Curly endive, or frisee (var. crispum)
    • Escarole, or broad-leaved endive (var. latifolia)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endive likely originated in India.
  • It is now widely grown in Europe.
  • 'Pancalieri' endive is named after a municipality in northern Italy near Turin.
  • Grows best in well-drained light sandy or gravelly soils that are rich in humus.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Endive is a biennial plant, but is often grown as an annual.
  • It consists of a dense rosette of curly leaves arising from the base.
  • Leaves are brittle, oblong, and lobed or cut.
  • Flowers are purple.
  • Two main types exist:
    • Batavian or escarole: has large broad leaves
    • Curly or fringed frisee: has a rosette of delicately serrated leaves

Historical Context

  • Endive has an ancient history, having been cultivated by the Ancient Egyptians and other civilizations in the Near East.
  • The Greeks and Romans also cultivated it.

Quirky Facts

  • Belgian endive, also known as witloof, is grown in two stages: first for the roots, then a second time to produce the light-colored, tightly folded heads called chicons through a process called forcing.
  • Some cultivated chicories and endives prefer cool temperatures and tend to bolt and become unpleasantly bitter in warm weather.

Genetic Information

  • Both Cichorium endivia (endive) and Cichorium intybus (chicory) have a chromosome number of 2n = 18.