All about Belgian endive > A Short History of Endive

Nature has its little whims, and even though it may allow itself to be altered by human intervention, it can also provide some surprises in which man plays no part. Thus, In 19th century Belgium, a man who had forgotten his chicory roots in a cellar was amazed to discover them plump and covered with long yellowish leaves, which had grown in the dark, warm conditions. Curious, he tasted them, found they had a good flavour, and began to cultivate them.

However, it is to another Belgian that we owe endive as it is eaten today: the botanist Brézier who developed it from coffee chicory, which had a small root. The market stalls of the capital began to display this new vegetable in 1846, and it quickly became known as Brussels endive.