Exploring the Origins of Endive Frisee
'Frisée' is a curly variety of endive with long narrow leaves dating back to ancient Egypt. This member of the chicory family was introduced to Northern Europe around 1200 A.D.
Bitter Elegance of Endive Frisee
This endive is the perfect accent for any salad. Its bitter flavor adds just the right balance and its puffy, cloudlike shape provides a welcome contrast to lettuce leaves. Science has discovered the presence of more than 40 polyphenols in endive which are known to possess antioxidant properties.
A Quick Look
- Sun: Part Sun, the sun is especially important for this cooler weather crop. In warm weather, endive benefits from some afternoon shade.
- Soil: 50 - 70° in moist, well drained soil, ideally with a pH between 5.5. and 8.3.
- Days to Harvest: 70 - 100 Days
- Harvest: When the leaves are 5 - 6" tall, try to take no more than a third of the plant and cut just above the soil level. In cool weather the leaves will start to grow again.