what is an endive
Endive is closely related to and often confused with its cousin, chicory. There are three main varieties of endive: Belgian endive, curly endive and escarole. Belgian endive (also known as French endive or witloof) is a small (6 inch) cigar-shaped head of cream-colored, tightly packed slightly bitter leaves. Belgian endive is grown in complete darkness to prevent it from turning green. Curly endive, often mistakenly called chicory in the US, grows in loose heads of lacy, green-rimmed outer leaves that curl at the tips. The off-white center leaves form a compact heart.