Endive - Frisee
Gardening Tips: Blanching Chicory
In European winter markets, huge heads of escarole and endive (Tres Fine) are displayed with centers as blond and wild as Harpo's wig. The growers blanch the hearts by outfitting them with little hats (like upside-down Tupperware bowls) just a week prior to harvest. It is quite a comical sight to see these hatted fields. Since both of the varieties listed here are mild, self-blanching types, you can grow them bareheaded, but it is still fun to try this technique. You'll have creamy heads that are especially mild, crispy and tasty. |
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This ancient family includes popular "continental" greens, most preferring cool weather and evenly moist soil. You may sow in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, when the soil is about 45F degrees. However, late summer sowing for fall and winter harvest may be more successful. Wild at heart, most Chicories prefer to be direct-sown in moderately fertile soil; too much added fertilizer, especially nitrogen, can cause them to bolt. With all varieties, keep soil lightly moist until seedlings emerge. Chicories have varying degrees of bitter flavor and their dense texture adds desirable dimension to salads.
Average seed life: 2 years
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#2975 Très Fine Maraîchère Frisee Endive: 60 days
This petite, delightfully frizzy endive (Frisée) gives an amazing loft to salad partners is essential and frilly heads of “TFM” are perfect for the kitchen garden. Positively voluminous, the self-blanching rosette of deeply cut, slender outer leaves surrounds a tender, creamy heart. TFM grows easily and quickly, attracts almost no pests, resists bolting and makes cute baby greens! To savor the nutty flavor of TFM, treat yourself to this unforgettable antipasto: dress torn leaves lightly with a simple balsamic vinegar and olive oil vinaigrette. Top with halved fresh figs and thinly-sliced prosciutto. (OP.)
Packet of 500 Seeds / $3.25
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