SoCal Home Gardening

Comparison of With Other Varieties

The full heart variety of Escarole is a particular type of escarole that has several unique characteristics distinguishing it from other varieties. Escarole, also known as broad-leaved endive, belongs to the chicory family and is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. It is commonly used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.

The main difference of the full heart variety compared to other escarole varieties lies in its appearance. As the name suggests, full heart escarole has a compact and tight arrangement of leaves, forming a dense and solid heart in the center. This characteristic makes it notably different from other escarole varieties, which often have looser and more open heads.

The full heart variety offers a few advantages over other escarole varieties. Firstly, the tightly packed leaves contribute to a crisp texture, making it an excellent choice for salads. The full heart escarole also has a milder flavor compared to other varieties, reducing the bitterness and making it more appealing to those who may not typically enjoy the strong taste of leafy greens.

Regarding the history of the full heart variety, its exact origins are not well-documented. However, it is believed to have been developed through natural selection and cultivation over time. Like other escarole varieties, full heart escarole likely has its roots in the Mediterranean region, where it has been grown and consumed for centuries.

When it comes to purchasing full heart escarole, it may sometimes be challenging to find seeds or seedlings specifically labeled as "full heart" in garden centers or seed catalogs. However, full heart escarole can often be found under generic escarole varieties or as a specific cultivar within the escarole listings. It is a relatively common and popular variety, so gardeners should not have significant difficulties locating it.

In conclusion, the full heart variety of escarole stands out due to its compact and tightly packed leaves forming a dense heart in the center. It offers a milder flavor and a crisp texture, making it a versatile choice for various culinary applications. While the exact history of the full heart variety may be unclear, it shares similarities with other escarole varieties originating from the Mediterranean. Gardeners can typically find full heart escarole seeds or seedlings in gardening stores or through seed catalogs under the general escarole category.