Now, however, we have learned to prefer green shoots which develop in the light, so that ridging is no longer so common. The two are not at all related botanically and are grown and used quite differently. Endive was eaten by the Egyptians and by the Greeks long before the Christian Era. Two kinds of endive were grown in northern Europe in the 13th century. Several 16th century writers described the plant in England, France, and Germany.
Many people dislike the slight bitterness of endive, but others consider it rather sprightly.
The dried, ground, and roasted root of common chicory is used as an adulterant of coffee and even as a substitute for it.