Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Endive

ENDIVE, a composite plant, a native of Asia; early cultivated in Egypt, used by the Greeks and Romans, and introduced into Great Britain some time before A. D. 1548. It has a head of pale-blue flowers. There are two leading varieties, one with broad, ragged leaves, the other with leaves narrower and curled. The leaves, after being blanched to diminish their bitterness, are used in salads and stews.