General Information
Coraline chicory is a curly variety that looks like a cross between frisee and endive. The narrow, pale yellow stalks are tightly bound around a central stalk, shaped like a small head of romaine. At the end of the long stalks, the leaves are branched with fringed tips. The texture of Coraline chicory is crisp and the flavor is slightly bitter and nutty with a sweet taste.
Coraline chicory, like other Cichorium species, is high in vitamins C, B and K. It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, zinc and selenium. One head of chicory contains almost 60% of the potassium in one banana. Coraline chicory is also high in complex fiber, which aids in digestion.
History
Coraline chicory was bred and developed over the last 20 years by French seed company, Vilmorin and is grown and distributed by the only commercial endive grower in the United States. The California company is located in the state’s delta region, just east of San Francisco. Growing chicory is a lengthy process, and requires a double-growing period – first developing the root in the earth, then a second growing stage in an enclosed, dark and humid environment. Look for Coraline chicory in restaurants in the United States in 2017.
