witloef

cultivated herb

Also known as: witloof

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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Witloof, also known as Belgian endive, is a cultivated herb from the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus). It is grown for its developing crown, which is blanched for use as a vegetable or in salads. This process involves growing the plant in darkness or semidarkness to produce pale, tight heads or crowns. Chicory itself is a perennial plant native to Europe, with leaves eaten as a vegetable and roots used in coffee or as fodder for cattle. The practice of forcing chicory roots indoors during winter is common in Europe to produce winter salads.123

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chicory
Another method produces witloef, or witloof, the tighter heads or crowns preferred in Belgium and elsewhere. Throughout Europe the roots are stored to produce leaves for salads during winter.
Read More
Another method produces witloef, or witloof, the tighter heads or crowns preferred in Belgium and elsewhere. Throughout Europe the roots are stored to produce leaves for salads during winter.
Read More