Frisée (curly endive)

Description

Frisée (curly endive) is a delicate, heavily frilled lettuce with light green outer leaves and a creamy-yellow heart; it has a crunchy texture and a distinctly bitter, slightly nutty flavor that enlivens flavor compositions. It is low in calories, rich in fiber, vitamins A, K, and folic acid, as well as antioxidants, which support digestion, bone health, and vision, and help maintain the proper functioning of the immune system. In the kitchen, frisée works great in salads (classic frisée salad with bacon and vinaigrette), as a contrasting addition to goat cheese, nuts, citrus fruits, and poached eggs, and also lightly sautéed as a side for meats. It should be stored unwashed, wrapped in a paper towel in a perforated bag in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable drawer; use within 5–7 days and keep away from ethylene-producing fruits.