Endive (pronounced in-dive or ahn-deev) is a leafy vegetable in the chicory root family. It has a crisp, crunchy texture and a slightly bitter taste. It can be used raw or cooked. There are three main types:
- Curly endive (Cichorium endivia var. crispum) has a bitter flavor and curly leaves. It is also known as frisée or chicory.
- Belgian endive (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum Endive) has pale yellow leaves and is moderately bitter. Red endive, or radicchio, has more of a reddish hue.
- Broad-leafed endive (Cichorium endivia var. latifolium) belongs to the same genus and species as curly endive, but it’s slightly less bitter than the other two varieties. It’s also sometimes referred to as escarole.
Endive is a good source of fiber and is rich in antioxidants. It contains 72 per cent of the RDI of vitamin K in a 1/2 cup serving. Vitamin K is important for bone health and bone metabolism, reducing the risk of fractures and bone loss.
| 1/2 cup (25 g) chopped raw endive |
|---|
| calories 4 |
| carbohydrates 0.8 g |
| protein 0.3 g |
| fiber 0.8 g |
| folate 9% DV |
| manganese 5% DV |
| vitamin A 11% DV |
| vitamin K 72% DV |
