Belgian endives are yellowish, crunchy and curly lettuce. They are oval in shape and slightly pointy at the tip.
The soft and crunchy leaves of a Belgian endives have a pleasant bitter flavor.
Generally, average length of a Belgian endive is 6 inches.
Thiamin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and B6, folate, and copper are found in Belgian endive.
In addition to this, the leaves also contain intybin, which not only imparts a bitter taste to the leaves but also acts as an appetite stimulant and digestive aid.
Belgian endive can also act as a diuretic and laxative when consumed in large amounts.
Scientific name of Belgian Endive
Cichorium Intybus
Other names of Belgian Endive
- Chicory
- Dutch witlof
- Witloof chicory
- White gold
Calories by source in Belgian Endive
- Calories by carbohydrate in Belgian Endive = 82%
- Calories by fat in Belgian Endive = 5%
- Calories by protein in Belgian Endive = 13%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Belgian Endive
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Belgian Endive = 63%
- Saturated fat (SF) in Belgian Endive = 34%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Belgian Endive = 3%
Nutrition facts of Belgian Endive
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 17 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.1 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 0.9 | GRAM | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 4 | GRAM | 1% |
| Fiber | 3.1 | GRAM | 11% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Belgian Endive, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Belgian Endive, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Belgian Endive
- Select Belgian endives with crisp leaves
- The leaves of fresh Belgian endives are a little moist to the touch
Availability of Belgian Endive
- Generally available round the year
- Best season is early fall through winter
How to store Belgian Endive
- Wrap the Belgian endive in damp cover and place it in a plastic bag to store in refrigerator for 4-5 days
- Avoid washing the Belgian endive if planning to store it in refrigerator
Complete nutrition facts of Belgian Endive
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Belgian Endive nutrition chart/infographic.
