Nutritional composition and yield of endive cultivars − Cichorium endivia L.

Abstract

Two year trials at the Horticultural Faculty in Lednice (part of the Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno) evaluated six cultivars of endive (<i>Cichorium endivia</i> L.): 3 cultivars of <i>C. endivia</i> L. var. <i>crispum</i> (Markant, Midori, Protos), and 3 cultivars of <i>C. endivia</i> L. var. <i>latifolium</i> (Malan, Maral, Nuance). At harvest time, the nutritional composition was evaluated: levels of vitamin C, minerals (K, Na, Ca, Mg), chlorophyll, dietary fibre, dry matter and nitrates. In addition, a single plant weight and yield were measured. It was observed that the cultivars of <i>C. endivia</i> var. <i>crispum</i> contained significantly higher quantities of dietary fibre and dry matter than those of <i>C. endivia</i> L. var. <i>latifolium</i>. Nitrate levels were significantly higher in the leaves of <i>C. endivia</i> L. var. <i>latifolium</i> cultivars. Except for vitamin C and dietary fibre, it was observed that all the investigated parameters varied significantly from one year to the next. Out of the six cultivars of endive, the Maral cultivar showed the highest average yield per 100 m² (662 kg).