Escarole and Endive

Escarole and Endive are in the chicory family. Both are rich in many vitamins and minerals including folate and vitamins A and K, and they are high in fiber. Escarole and Endive grow in a large head, like lettuce, and are easily confused with each other and with lettuces. Curly endive, or frisée, has skinny, white stems and narrow, green, curly outer leaves. Escarole, or broad-leaved endive has wider, pale stems and broad, dark green leaves. The outside leaves of an endive head are can be bitter. The inner leaves of the endive head are light green to creamy-white and milder flavored. Both are eaten like other greens, sauteed, chopped into soups and stews, or as part of a green salad.