Escarole 'Seance'
Escarole 'Seance' is a captivating variety within the escarole lettuce family, known for its unique combination of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The leaves of 'Seance' are broad, curly, and feature a beautiful deep green color, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition to gardens and culinary presentations. The texture of the leaves is both tender and crisp, providing a delightful contrast that adds complexity to salads and cooked dishes.
In terms of flavor, Escarole 'Seance' offers a mild and slightly bitter taste, characteristic of escarole varieties. The bitterness becomes more pronounced as the leaves mature, offering a dynamic flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. 'Seance' is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for fresh salads, sautés, and soups. Its adaptability and distinctive appearance make it an attractive choice for both home gardeners and chefs seeking to enhance the visual and culinary appeal of their dishes.
Cultivating Escarole 'Seance' typically involves providing well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and consistent moisture. This variety is often grown in cooler seasons, thriving in spring and fall conditions. Whether harvested as baby greens for salads or allowed to mature for heartier dishes, Escarole 'Seance' stands out as a flavorful and visually appealing addition to the diverse world of lettuce varieties.
In terms of flavor, Escarole 'Seance' offers a mild and slightly bitter taste, characteristic of escarole varieties. The bitterness becomes more pronounced as the leaves mature, offering a dynamic flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. 'Seance' is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for fresh salads, sautés, and soups. Its adaptability and distinctive appearance make it an attractive choice for both home gardeners and chefs seeking to enhance the visual and culinary appeal of their dishes.
Cultivating Escarole 'Seance' typically involves providing well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and consistent moisture. This variety is often grown in cooler seasons, thriving in spring and fall conditions. Whether harvested as baby greens for salads or allowed to mature for heartier dishes, Escarole 'Seance' stands out as a flavorful and visually appealing addition to the diverse world of lettuce varieties.
Escarole, a leafy green vegetable, thrives under specific growing conditions that contribute to its optimal development. Here are key factors to consider when cultivating escarole:
- Temperature:
- Escarole is a cool-season crop and prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F (10°C to 24°C). It is well-suited for spring and fall cultivation. In warmer climates, consider growing escarole during the cooler months.
- Sunlight:
- Provide escarole with full to partial sunlight. It benefits from at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. In hot climates, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent the leaves from becoming excessively bitter.
- Soil:
- Escarole prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, enhances fertility and moisture retention.
- Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Adequate watering is crucial for the development of crisp leaves. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Spacing:
- Plant escarole with sufficient spacing to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for the specific variety you are growing. Proper spacing contributes to healthy plant development and reduces the risk of diseases.
- Protection from Heat:
- In warmer climates or during heatwaves, consider providing some shade to escarole plants. This helps prevent excessive bitterness in the leaves. Using row covers or planting near taller crops for shade can be effective.
- Companion Planting:
- Escarole benefits from companion planting with other vegetables. It is often grown alongside crops such as beans, carrots, and onions. Companion planting can help deter pests and enhance overall garden health.
- Successive Planting:
- Consider successive planting to ensure a continuous harvest. Planting new crops every few weeks allows for a staggered harvest and ensures a fresh supply of escarole.
Escarole and White Bean Soup:
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of escarole, washed and chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Escarole: Add the chopped escarole to the pot and cook until it wilts, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot. Add dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Add White Beans: Once the soup is simmering, add the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve this comforting Escarole and White Bean Soup with a slice of crusty bread for a wholesome and satisfying meal. The combination of escarole, white beans, and aromatic herbs creates a hearty and flavorful soup perfect for any time of the year.