We study the beneficial properties of unusual endive and the secrets of its preparation

The beneficial properties of endive are not known to all gardeners, which played a role in its cultivation in summer cottages. The plant has not received wide recognition in Russia due to its specific taste. It is a perennial plant from the Aster family. Other varieties: Mirna, radiccho (red salad chicory), escariole, frieze, witloof, curly endive.

The edible part of the chicory looks like an oblong, dense head of cabbage of light green leaves. Their size is small - about 12 cm in length. Due to the fact that the greens are curly, the endive looks like a salad and belongs to the type of salad vegetables. The taste of endive is bitter due to the presence of inulin and intibin in the plant. The darker the color of the green, the more pronounced the bitterness.

What are the beneficial properties of endive

The chicory salad contains:

• inulin;
• intibin;
• vitamin A, C;
• B vitamins: pantothenic and folic acids, thiamine, pyridoxine, niacin;
• trace elements: potassium, chlorine, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper;
• fiber and carotene;
• D-fructose;

The composition of chicory endive is identical to dandelion, which is also used in salads.

Chicory contains a large amount of inulin. This substance is able to regulate metabolic processes in the body, normalize the functioning of the liver, gallbladder, heart and blood vessels, and reduce blood pressure in hypertension. The glycoside intibin soothes the nervous system, improves circulation and appetite.

The beneficial properties of endive are also used to treat diabetics, since intibin lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The juice from the vegetable nourishes the eye muscles, which helps to improve and even restore vision. Salad chicory contains a record amount of vitamin A, so the plant is rightly ranked among the natural anti-cancer agents.

The benefits of endive are not limited to treating diseases. Dr. Ducan recommends including this vegetable in the diet in his weight loss program.

There are several reasons for this.:

1. Low calorie content - 17 kcal.
2. The predominant content of proteins is 1.25 g, while fats and carbohydrates are 0.2 g and 0.23 g, respectively.
3. Removes excess fluid from the body, relieves swelling.
4. Contains 8% DV of fiber.

It is useful to eat endive curly in the spring, when the risk of hypovitaminosis increases.

The juice of the plant improves mood, gives energy. In its pure form, fresh chicory is difficult to drink because of its bitterness, but it is good to add it to vegetable juices with celery and carrots. This juice is useful for asthmatics, as it reduces the number of attacks.

Harm and contraindications of endive

Consuming chicory salad in moderation will not do any harm. There is no information anywhere that endive causes allergies, but the possibility of individual intolerance cannot be ruled out. Cykorny salad contains a lot of vitamin A, which cannot be combined with alcohol and nicotine.

It is recommended to eat endive 6 hours after drinking or smoking.

Ways to consume endive

In cooking, the variety of endive frieze and broadleaf variety are mainly used. When preparing various dishes, both the top and the roots are used. In Europe, ancient recipes for drinks from the root have been preserved. It is dried, crushed and fried until dark brown. The drink tastes like coffee.

Greens are used in salads, and also stewed, boiled, steamed. Garlic and pepper are added to the dishes.

Greenery use options:

• added to meat broths during cooking;
• prepare savory sauces and gravies;
• goes well with parsley, lemon, celery;
• likes well salted dishes;
• endive leaves go well with grilled meat or in foil;
• complements the taste of fish dishes;
• chicory salad is used to make casseroles, soups;
• the top hard leaves can be stuffed, used as a substrate for baking meat or fish.

Endive does not go well with dishes containing sour cream, vinegar, sunflower oil.

Cooking secrets

Useful Tips:

1. Before eating the fresh endive, it is soaked in salt water for 15-29 minutes.
2. The bitterness goes away with heat treatment.
3. If the leaves have withered, they are placed in ice water - juiciness and crunch are restored.

It is advisable to rinse the product purchased in the supermarket in water with the addition of 100 ml of apple cider vinegar and 0.5 tsp. salt. This procedure will remove any chemicals from the leaves that may have been used in the cultivation.

Endive storage method

Choose greens with a rich green color without signs of rot, mucus, a dark rim along the edge of the leaves. The product is fresh, if there are no dents or creases on the sheets, they are juicy and crunchy. Avoid buying hard discolored bundles.

Store the endive in a dark place, as the sun's rays make it even bitter. When stored in the refrigerator, greens are pre-washed and dried, wrapped in a damp cloth and tightly packed in a bag or vacuum container, because the leaves quickly absorb foreign odors. You can store it for no more than a week.

Endive recipes

Roasted endive is served as a presentable side dish. The heads of cabbage are cut in half lengthwise and fried until golden brown in sunflower oil. For such a simple dish, you'll need white wine vinegar, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to create a caramelized crust.

Preparation:

1. In a frying pan, heat 30-50 g of vegetable oil.
2. Put the cut heads of cabbage with a cut on the hot bottom of the pan.
3. Fry until soft, turning once. A caramel-colored crust should form.
4. Add 2 tbsp. l of wine vinegar, 1 spoon of water, sugar and salt.
5. Stew for 30 seconds.

Sprinkle the finished garnish with green onions.

A light snack can be made with endive, avocado and salmon. To do this, you need 3 heads of chicory salad, 100 salted salmon, 1 avocado, a little olive oil and lemon juice.

Preparation:

1. Endive is disassembled into leaves, washed and dried with paper napkins.
2. Avocado cut into small cubes.
3. Salmon is also finely chopped.
4. On a plate lay out "boats" of two leaves together.
5. Salmon and avocado are spread on each boat.
6. Pour oil and lemon juice over the filling.

The dish is decorated with parsley and other herbs as desired. This is a quick, tasty and healthy snack for a festive table and for weekdays.

Useful properties of endive and its cultivation in the country - video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ApgulhqO4