48 DAYS
Cichorium endivia
Also known as frisée, Benefine endive features a stunning rosette of ruffled, light-green leaves with deeply cut and serrated edges. At maturity, its heart blanches to reveal creamy, tender-sweet leaves, making it an ideal choice for gourmet salads. This visually appealing foliage adds texture and sophistication to your dishes, perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Size: Mature plants grow to approximately 12 to 18 in. tall, producing a compact, robust head well-suited for smaller garden spaces.
Yield: Each plant typically produces a single, dense head of crisp leaves, ideal for fresh consumption.
Taste: Benefine offers a mildly bitter yet sweet flavour, with a crunchy texture that's pleasant in salads.
How to use: Best used fresh in salads, as a garnish, or lightly sautéed; the leaves add a sophisticated touch to various dishes.
Planting tips: Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow into well-drained soil about 4 weeks before the last frost, at a depth of ¼ in. Prefers cooler temperatures for optimal growth.
Harvest tips: Harvest when the heads are firm and well-developed, ideally before they start to bolt, to enjoy their best flavour and texture.
