CHICORY (PREORDER)

~20 lbs Chicory aka "Curly Endive", "Niu-Li-Cai", "Ku-Ju", "Ku-Cai", "牛脷菜", "苦苣", "苦菜" Chicory is a leafy green with curly, narrow leaves. It has white stems growing to yellow, green tips. Outer leaves are dark green and bitter. Inner leaves are light green to creamy white and milder in flavor. Chicory leaves have a chewy texture. This is especially popular in Italian cuisines such as pasta and soups and serves as an ingredient in salads. Chicory is available year-round. Handling Tip Selection The chicory head should be bright green without browning. The leaves are young and tender and not wilting. Avoid bunches with dark butts or cracked ribs. Storage Chicory should be stored at 32°F (0°C) with a relative humidity of ninety-five to a hundred percent and with mist.  The typical shelf life is no more than two to three weeks. Shelf life is halved at 41°F (5°C). High humidity is important to prevent wilting. Chicory is sensitive to ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that regulates ripening. Chicory should not be stored with high ethylene-producing products to avoid leaf yellowing. Chicory produces a very low level of ethylene. Chicory is not sensitive to chilling injury but freezing at 31.8°F (-0.1°C) must be avoided.