Endive, Chicory and Witloof Chicory Endive, Chicory and Witloof Chicory Description. Endive, Cichorium endiva, and chicory, Chichorium intybus, are members of the Composite family. Endive has two forms - the narrow leaved curly type and the broadleaved one which is often called escarlee. The outside leaves of an endive head are green and bitter.
Inner leaves are light green to creamy white and are milder flavored.
It is most popular in France, Belgium and Holland. Its thick roots are used in the southern U.S. as an additive flavor to coffee and sometimes as a coffee substitute. Endive is grown like lettuce. Seed is sown in early spring in the garden. Start plants in the greenhouse and transplant to the garden for an extra early crop.