Properties Of Endive/Chicory (Cichorium endive)
Author: Ann Brown
The endive or chicory have a problem with spelling because half the write with “v” and the other half are written with “b”. The dictionary of the Royal Academy accepts both and defines it as “a smooth variety of endive, which consumed the whorl of young leaves and pale.”
The chicory originated in the Mediterranean. It is a bitter variety of chicory (Cichorium intybus). They belong to the family Compositae. Some are wild, but that we eat are grown artificially by the method Witloof (they are no light has to be more tender and white).
The wild variety has green leaves and curly leaves. They are more hard and bitter. Currently also trying to be achieved artificially whitened, but never lose the bitter taste.
Properties of Chicory
The endive contains fiber, 94% water, is lower in calories as well as mucilage, so it is ideal for diets.
The endive contains:
* Vitamins: E, A, B1, B2, B6, C and to a lesser extent,
* Minerals: calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium.
* Others: Folic Acid, Niacin, antioxidant, beta-carotene.
Properties, benefits, recommended for:
* Anti-carcinogenic.
* For the digestive system by eliminating gas, acidity, it’s good for the intestinal mucosa
* Lower the cholesterol level.
* Promote intestinal transit.
* Removes toxins from the bowel
* Are diuretic, helps you lose weight.
* Improves blood circulation.
* Prevent arteriosclerosis.
There are 4 varieties:
* Chicory Precocious: Daliva, Bella, Secundo, Prima, Early Ever.
* Cycle Chicory medium: Turbo, Pod, Terrio.
* Chicory late: Norvita, Kwart, Salsa, Weatfride, Bearing, Jazz.
* Hybrid.
Are also classified according to their form of cultivation:
* Chicory enforced: they are white and long, because they have grown in greenhouses during the winter.
* Chicory unforced They are harvested in autumn, do not need laundered.
Tips for Buying: This vegetable is found in markets throughout the year, as the grown in greenhouses. But it reaches its optimal state in the fall and winter.
Conservation: The important thing is to choose either the maturity of it to buy it. The leaves must be very stiff and smooth, hard and white. Endure either 4 or 5 days in the fridge.
There are several recipes vegetarian or dieting, because their properties are used in such diets.
The endive is crisp, juicy, and tastes sweet with a touch bitter. It is very good in salads, with oil and vinegar, but the dressing is perfect with a yogurt sauce or quesosuave or strong. Although preferred raw in salads can be eaten boiled or stewed, and in fact begins to be fashionable in haute cuisine.
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Tags: Chicory, Cichorium endive, endive or chicory, Properties Of Endive, variety of chicory