Sir: May I add to the cloud of ink raised
on the subject of 'endives'? In the big Vil- morin Andrieu Catalogue of Vegetable seeds and Plants (no longer available, circa 1955) they are described as Endives ou Chicoree de Witloof. Again in the Larousse Gastronomique of 1938, they are described as a variety of Chicoree de Magdebourg known in Belgium also as Chicoree de Witloof. Incidentally the Larousse gives some 18 different recipes for cooking this delicious vegetable.
However when we turn to Chico,* the Larousse gives an illustration of Chicoree frisee and Chicoree Witloof ou Endive and moreover says that in Belgium Chicoree frisee is called endive! Adding that gener- ally speaking it is Chicoree Witloof which is known as endive!
Obviously it is essential to specify what is required very carefully. Personally I opt for `endives' and 'curly chicory'.
Denis Birch
62 Albany Road, Stratford Upon Avon
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