Endive is a great alternative to crackers or thin slices of baguette for serving heartier appetisers like a chicken salad or a more potent cheese: Its leaves give the needed crunch for fewer calories.
When shopping for endive or any kind of chicory, look for a tightly closed, white, crisp leaves that turn light yellow or yellow at the ends when picking endives to buy at the store. Brown edges, red-brown spots or discolouration? These are all a no-go.
Endive, when stored in an airtight bag, lasts about a week in the fridge and contains the probiotic fibre inulin, which has a positive effect on blood-sugar levels. It also contains the bitter compound lactucopicrin, which helps to promote digestion.
Besides using the leaves as salad serving cups, you can also make a nice and crunchy salad, combining the endive with apples, oranges, mandarin oranges, avocado and nuts, then adding a yogurt dressing. – dpa
