Goomba38 wrote:
>
> Escarole is sometimes labeled (or mislabled?)in stores "Curly Endive".

'Zactly! Escarole (aka curly endive) is almost always available year
round, in the US.


endive
[EN-dyv, AHN-deev, ahn-DEEV]
Endive is closely related to and often confused with its cousin,
CHICORY.

[Chicory has thinner, much more frilly leaves and is more bitter... I
like both... in salads, soups, braised, etc.]

They're both part of the same botanical family, Cichorium. There are
three main varieties of endive: Belgian endive, curly endive and
escarole. Belgian endive, also known as French endive and witloof
(white leaf), is a small (about 6-inch-long), cigar-shaped head of
cream-colored, tightly packed, slightly bitter leaves. It's grown in
complete darkness to prevent it from turning green, using a
labor-intensive growing technique known as BLANCHING. Belgian endive is
available from September through May, with a peak season from November
through April. Buy crisp, firmly packed heads with pale, yellow-green
tips. Belgian endives become bitter when exposed to light. They should
be refrigerated, wrapped in a paper towel inside a plastic bag, for no
more than a day. They can be served cold as part of a salad, or cooked
by braising or baking. Curly endive, often mistakenly called chicory
in the United States, grows in loose heads of lacy, green-rimmed outer
leaves that curl at the tips. The off-white center leaves form a
compact heart. The leaves of the curly endive have a prickly texture
and slightly bitter taste. Escarole has broad, slightly curved, pale
green leaves with a milder flavor than either Belgian or curly endive.
Both curly endive and escarole are available year-round, with the peak
season from June through October. They should be selected for their
fresh, crisp texture; avoid heads with discoloration or insect damage.
Store curly endive and escarole, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator
for up to 3 days. They're both used mainly in salads, but can also be
briefly cooked and eaten as a vegetable or in soups.

© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD
LOVER'S COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
---

Sheldon