Endive 'Heart of Gold'

Endive 'Cœur d'Or' (Cichorium endivia), offered by the seed company Weston Seeds

?? A bright and tasty endive, perfect for small gardens! ??

The endive 'Cœur d'Or', also called Golden Heart Endive , is a compact and refined variety , ideal for gardeners looking for a leafy vegetable that is both aesthetic and tasty. It forms a dense head with finely cut leaves , bringing a touch of sweet bitterness and freshness to salads.

?? How to get a sweeter endive? The secret lies in blanching the leaves before harvesting, a simple method that reduces bitterness and refines the texture.

Features

Days to maturity: 40-70 days
Height: 6 to 8 inches
Spacing between plants: 6-8 inches
Exposure: Full sun
Sowing: Indoor/direct sowing, spring-summer-autumn
Quantity per pack: nd

Cultivation method

Sow seeds directly into the ground in June , 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep, in rows 24 inches (60 cm) apart. Once the plants are well established, thin them to 8 inches (20 cm) apart in the row.

Blanching for more tender leaves

About 7 to 10 days before harvest , tie the large outer leaves together to bundle the inner leaves. This simple method mellows the flavor and gives a more tender texture. Make sure the outer leaves are thoroughly dry before tying the plant.

Ideal conditions

Grow in well-drained soil , maintaining constant moisture with regular watering . This variety is very hardy and ensures a good harvest, even in a small space.

How to enjoy the 'Cœur d'Or' endive?

?? In salad : Pair it with citrus fruits ??, nuts and blue cheese ?? for a perfect balance.
?? Sautéed or braised : Pan-fry it with butter and honey ?? for a caramelized sweetness.
?? As a crunchy topping : Add it to toast with fresh cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
?? Mixed with other leafy vegetables : For a varied and delicious salad.

Why choose the ‘Cœur d’Or’ endive?

?? A compact variety ideal for small spaces
?? Tender and tasty leaves, with a slight controlled bitterness
?? Easy to grow and hardy, even in varied conditions
?? A harvest extended from spring to fall

Add a golden and refined touch to your dishes with this elegant and delicious endive!