Endive

Endive (Cichorium endivia) is a leafy vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. It is related to chicory and has curly leaves that grow in a loose head. Endive grows well in the Middle East and has been cultivated as a food plant in the region for centuries.

Some scholars suggest that endive may have been among the bitter herbs (merorim) eaten by the Israelites during Passover (Exodus 12:8), though the Bible does not specify which plants were used. In ancient times, people ate endive both raw and cooked as a green vegetable.

See Bitter Herbs.