Endive, from the Compositae family, is a cylindrical-shaped vegetable, made up of a succession of overlapping leaves. Thanks to new cultivation techniques without light, it forms a whitish bud. The leaves have a lanceolate shape and measures between 9 and 17 cm long and 3 to 6 cm in diameter. It is sold practically all year round. Among the different varieties of this vegetable is the red endive, resulting from the crossing of the common chicory and the red chicory.        

It originates from Belgium, where it has been grown and consumed for more than a hundred years, and from where it has been exported all over the world. Currently, the main producing countries are Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.      

Endive, like most vegetables, is a basic food component for a healthy and balanced diet. Introducing endives in different meals is synonymous with health, due to its energetic and nutritional values and its contribution of fibers and minerals in the individual's diet.  

This vegetable is excellent consumed both raw and cooked. Raw, it is consumed alone or in mixed salads. It is also eaten baked, grilled or boiled. It is used as a complement in other cooked dishes, or in its decoration.        

Endives should preferably be stored in a refrigerated place – in the fridge they are kept for several days – always out of the influence of light to prevent the outer leaves from turning green, which would give them a bitter taste. Therefore, it is preferable to consume them with yellowish outer leaves.