Witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a weedy-looking plant. That's not surprising, as it's related to the dandelion and has frilly, pointed, dandelion-like leaves. What is surprising is that witloof chicory plants have a double life. This same weed-like plant is responsible for the production of chicons, a bittersweet winter salad green, which is a culinary delicacy in the U.S.
What is Witloof Chicory?
Witloof chicory is an herbaceous biennial, which was grown centuries ago as a cheap substitute for coffee. Like the dandelion, witloof grows a large taproot. It was this taproot that European farmers grew, harvested, stored, and ground as their knock-off java. Then about two hundred years ago, a farmer in Belgium made a startling discovery. The witloof chicory roots he'd stored in his root cellar had sprouted. However, they didn't grow their normal dandelion-like leaves.
Instead, the chicory roots grew a compact, pointed head of leaves much like Cos lettuce. What's more, the new growth was bleached white from lack of sunlight. It had a crispy texture and a creamy, sweet flavor. The chicon was born.
Belgian Endive Info
It took a few years, but the chicon caught on and commercial production spread this unusual vegetable beyond the borders of Belgium. Due to its lettuce-like qualities and creamy, white color, the chicon was marketed as white or Belgian endive.
Today, the United States imports approximately $5 million worth of chicons annually. Domestic production of this vegetable is limited, but not because witloof chicory plants are difficult to grow. Rather, the development of the second stage of growth, the chicon, requires exact conditions of warmth and humidity.
How to Grow Belgian Endive
Growing witloof chicory is, indeed, an experience. It all begins with the cultivation of the taproot. The witloof chicory seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors. Timing is everything, as a delay in transplanting into the garden can affect the quality of the taproot.
There's nothing especially difficult about growing witloof chicory roots. Treat them as you would any root vegetable. Plant this chicory in full sun, spacing plants 6 to 8 inches (15-20.5 cm.) apart. Keep them weeded and watered. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers to encourage root development and prevent the overproduction of leaves. Witloof chicory is ready for harvest in the fall around the time of the first frost. Ideally, the roots will be about 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter.
Once harvested, the roots can be stored for a period of time before being forced. The leaves are cut off approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm.) above the crown, side roots are removed, and the taproot is shortened to 8 to 10 inches (20.5-25.5 cm.) long. The roots are stored on their side in sand or sawdust. Storage temperatures are kept between 32 to 36 degrees F. (0-2 C.) with 95% to 98% humidity.
As needed, taproots are brought out of storage for wintertime forcing. They are replanted, completely covered to exclude all light, and maintained between 55 to 72 degrees F. (13-22 C.). It takes approximately 20 to 25 days for the chicon to reach a marketable size. The result is a tightly formed head of fresh salad greens which can be enjoyed in the dead of winter.
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