The vegetable we grow is marketed under our witloof / Belgian endive trade mark.  It is a member of the  (witloof / Belgian endive) family and is also known as witloof or Belgian endive. The nutritious, yellow-white leaves make fabulous salads, soups and other dishes. Another variety is grown for its roots, which are added to coffee, and should not be confused with our Cichorium intybus L foliosum hegi.          

The Belgians view themselves as the ‘discoverers’ of witloof. Originally a winter crop, indoor hydroponics or water culture enabled them to grow it all year round. Sales – especially to America – have zoomed through the ceiling and prompted  the name ‘white gold’. BBC food programmes are also crammed with witloof recipes.