Escarole Grosse Bouclée Bovary (untreated) - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds - Cichorium endivia var. latifolium

This curly endive is a variety resistant to bolting. It is grown for its whole and crunchy leaves, which naturally blanch. They are gathered in a beautiful dense and abundant rosette that is consumed raw in salads. Sow from February to July for a harvest 3 months later.

The Curly Endive is a vegetable plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has the Latin name Cichorium endivia latifolium, and is also known as Broad-leaved Endive (without being a common endive), White Chicory, or Escarole. It comes from wild chicory, which is naturally found in meadows and along roadsides.

Curly Endives have a rosette habit and fairly large, wavy green leaves. The heart is white, with a slight yellow border. Some varieties need to be temporarily deprived of light to soften the heart and remove any potential bitterness, while others naturally blanch.

They are quite hardy but are a bit more sensitive to winter conditions than wild chicory. Therefore, it is advisable to provide protection such as a forcing cover or tunnel in particularly cold regions.

In the garden, they thrive in moderately rich soil that is rather moist but well-drained.

Curly Endive leaves are mainly consumed raw in salads, but can also be cooked in juices, gratins, cream sauces, braised, or in béchamel sauce.

All types of Chicory have tonic, purifying, and slightly laxative properties.

Harvest: Chicory should be harvested as needed and as they grow.

Storage: They can be stored for a few days in a cool place after harvest.

Gardener's tip: Regular hoeing and weeding is recommended, and mulching is advisable in case of drought.