Endive 'Lettuce Ruffec'

Endive 'Lettuce Ruffec' (Cichorium endivia), offered by the seed company Weston Seeds

?? Endive reinvented: sweet flavor and crunchy texture! ??
The endive 'Lettuce Ruffec' is a compact and tender curly variety, perfect for small gardens and lovers of gourmet salads. Contrary to popular belief, the bitterness of endive depends on how it is grown and consumed . Harvested young or blanched before harvest, it offers a sweet and delicate flavor , ideal for enhancing your dishes without excess bitterness.

?? The secret to a sweet and tasty endive? Good blanching and balanced culinary combinations!

Features

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

Cultivation method

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

Blanching for a milder flavor
7-10 days before harvest, bundle the inner leaves by tying the larger outer leaves around the core. This technique naturally reduces bitterness and gives a more tender texture. Make sure the outer leaves are completely dry before tying the plant.

Ideal conditions
Grow endive in well-drained soil , maintaining consistent moisture. It enjoys sunny exposure , but can also be grown late in the season for a sweeter fall harvest .

How to enjoy 'Lettuce Ruffec' endive?

?? Raw in salad : Pair it with sweet ingredients like pear pieces ??, nuts and a drizzle of honey ?? to balance its slight bitterness.
?? Sautéed in a pan : A light pass in olive oil with garlic and spices makes it melt-in-the-mouth and tasty.
?? Cheese Gratin : Wrap it in ham and top it with melted cheese ?? for a comforting dish.
?? In pesto : Mix its leaves with nuts, parmesan and olive oil for an original and surprising sauce.

Why choose 'Lettuce Ruffec' endive?

?? A softer and crunchier endive thanks to blanching
?? Ideal in salad, sautéed or gratin
?? Easy to grow and suitable for small spaces
?? Harvest in several waves from spring to fall

Rediscover endive in a new light and dare to include it in all your recipes!