Red endive, often referred to as endive, is a leafy green vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years for its unique color, taste, and nutritional benefits. This French variety of endive is known for its distinctive torpedo-like shape and reddish-brown edges. It is grown in complete darkness for several weeks before emerging as a lush green leaf with a slightly bitterness味. Red endive is not only a delicious addition to any meal but also a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes.
History and Origin
The history of red endive can be traced back to the 19th century when a Belgium chicory farmer discovered that roots that were left in his cellar for drying had sprouted into small, white leaves with a pleasant bitter flavor and tender texture. This process, known as "forced" or "blanching," involves growing chicory from seeds, harvesting the roots, and then growing them indoors in a completely dark environment. Red endive, specifically created in 1976 by crossing traditional witloof with the red Italian cultivator 'rosso di verona', was later developed to produce heads with uniform size and shape, tolerance to internal browning, resistance to bolting, reduced bitterness, and improved coloring.
Nutritional Benefits
Red endive is a rich source of various essential nutrients, including folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, thiamin, and copper. It is also known to support digestive health and is high in dietary fiber, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
Usage and Applications
Red endive is widely used in various culinary applications. It can be grilled, braised, sautéed, or added to soups. raw leaves can be stuffed and served as canapés, or chopped and added to salads. When cooked, its delicate flavor complements a variety of meats, such as pork, manchengo, and pecorino cheeses. Red endive should be stored wrapped in paper in the refrigerator and used within a week to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Prominent Restaurant Brands that Use Red Endive
- Patisserie Melanie, San Diego, CA
- Two Ducks (Deliver Lion Share), San Diego, CA
- Lodge at Torrey Pines Main, San Diego, CA
- Vincents, Escondido, CA
- Urban Kitchen Catering, San Diego, CA
- Avant, San Diego, CA
- Carte Hotel, San Diego, CA
- La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, San Diego, CA
-urgeon Beer Co., San Diego, CA - US Grant Hotel Grill, San Diego, CA
- Mothership, San Diego, CA
- One Door North, San Diego, CA
- Stake Chophouse & Bar, Coronado, CA
- Lofty Coffee Co.- Carlsbad State St, Carlsbad, CA
- Herb & Wood, San Diego, CA
- The Shores, La Jolla, CA
- Rancho Valencia, Del Mar, CA
- Lofty Coffee Co. – Encinitas, Encinitas, CA
- June Et Jolie, Carlsbad, CA
- Artifact at Mingei, San Diego, CA
- Lofty Coffee Co. – W. Cedar, San Diego, CA
