Organic Escarole Grosse Bouclée 2 - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds - Cichorium endivia var. latifolium

The 'Grosse Bouclée' 2 is a biennial vegetable plant that grows up to 40 cm (16in). It is a very voluminous variety with a yellow heart, cultivated for its whole and crunchy leaves. It forms a dense rosette of naturally whitening leaves that are consumed raw in salads. Sowing from February to July for a harvest 3 months later.

The Curly Endive is a vegetable plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its Latin name is Cichorium endivia latifolium, and it 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, undulate green leaves. The heart is white, slightly bordered with yellow. Some varieties need to be temporarily deprived of light to soften the heart and remove any bitterness, while others naturally whiten.

They are quite hardy but are a bit more susceptible to winter harshness 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, preferably moist but well-drained.

Curly Endive leaves are mainly consumed raw in salads, but they can also be cooked in soups, gratin, cream, braised, or in béchamel sauce.

All Endives have tonic, purifying, and slightly laxative properties.

Harvest: Endives are harvested as needed and as they grow.

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

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