Michigan
State University Extension
Preserving
Food Safely - 01600783
10/13/97
Chicory used to be available only during the cooler
months, but is now available year-round. Nearly all Belgian
endive sold in the United States is grown in Belgium. An
insignificant amount is imported from Chile during the
summer months, but very little, if any, Belgian-type endive
is grown domestically. During World War II some endive was
grown in Michigan, but the product was below par and was
discontinued at the end of the war.
When purchasing Belgian endive, look for firm, plump,
crisp, unblemished, pure white heads that have yellow leaf
tips. If those tips are green rather than the desired
yellow, the endive isn't fresh and will taste very bitter.
The short, fat heads are preferable to those that are long
and thin.