Growing Belgian endives

GROW YOUR OWN BELGIAN ENDIVE(Witloof chicory)

Belgian endive, also known as witloof chicory is also known as "white gold" in some parts of the world This tight little bundle of tender leaves is rich in vitamins as well as fiber. It's got a slightly bitter and tangy taste, and the crispiness of the leaves make it perfect in salads or as an edible serving dish for appetizers.Growing Belgian Endive at home, is easier than you might think.Let's start growing these white gold in our gardens as well by going through the easy steps!

Sowing And Planting

• Prepare the soil. Your Belgian endive needs well-worked soil for growing. Dig the site with a garden fork, breaking up any clods of dirt and smoothing the spot with a rake when you're done.
• Plant endive seeds in spring (early June, for most places) in rich soil, two rows per 30 inch (.76 meter) bed, 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Water well to give the plants a good start, and you should have seedlings in a week or two.
• Thin the young plants to 5 inches apart when they have grown large enough to grasp.
• Weed and water your Belgian endive regularly to ensure good growth.

Harvesting The Roots

• After 110-130 days, gently unearth the roots with a digging fork being careful not to break or damage them. They are the "business end" of the plant and the storehouse of energy for the second phase of growth.
• Cut the leafy crown from the plant, leaving a 1-inch stub. At the same time, trim the side roots entirely and the main root to about 9 inches.
• Pack the roots upright in a bucket or pail and fill around them with sand, if you have it, or loose sandy soil if you don't. Regular soil or peat can also be used, but it is difficult to use for filling in the gaps. Cover and store pails in the coolest location available.

Forcing The Plants

• Plant the Belgian endive roots in containers filled with 10 inches of soil. Pack the roots tightly together with a little soil between them. 
• Make sure they are not exposed to the air
• Cover the crowns with at least 6 inches of sawdust or sand or a black plastic gap. This blanches the shoots by slowing their exposure to light while they grow.
• Keep the pots at about 50 or 60 degrees to start sprouting. Keeping them at 32 to 40 degrees will prevent sprouting. Do this if you want to wait before sprouting.
• Water the roots when you bring them into the 50 or 60 degree room. Water weekly after that. It will take 2 or 3 weeks for them to sprout.

Harvesting And Storage

• Cut the head when the top shows through the top layer of sawdust or sand. You can cut them at 3 inches if you simply can't wait.
• Replace the sawdust and harvest again in 2 or 3 more weeks. 
• Belgian endive will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 week.

Few Health Benefits Of Belgian Endives

• Improves vision- Belgian endive is an excellent source for Vitamin A which is an essential vitamin to help with good eye health and vision and may protect the eyes from getting cataracts.
• Contains Vitamin C- Belgian endive is also high in Vitamin C which is an important vitamin in boosting the immune system and help fight off infections.
• Improves Cholesterol levels- It has been shown that Belgian endive can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol levels.
• Aid's Digestion- These veggies are wonderful for digestive health. They are considered to be a prebiotic, which means it helps stimulate the growth and productivity of friendly bacteria in the body. Belgian endive also contains bitters which help to stimulate the digestive system and detoxify the liver.

Broccoli-Endive Boats Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli (coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup red bell pepper
• 1 cup onion (purple, chopped)
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp dark sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper (cracked)
• 40 leaves belgian endive (4 large heads)

Directions

• Arrange first 3 ingredients in a vegetable steamer over boiling water. Cover and steam for around 1 minute. Drain the water completely or can be reused as stock for other recipes.
• Pour cold water over broccoli mixture and drain the water again.
• Combine vinegar and next 4 ingredients in a medium bowl; stir well.
• Add broccoli mixture, and toss well.
• Cover and marinate in refrigerator 2 hours. Drain the excess water
• To serve, spoon 1 tablespoon broccoli mixture into each endive leaf.