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Endive

Vegetable

Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
a photograph of a whole raw endive on a white background
Written by
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When can babies have endive?

Endive may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Endive refers to several plants within the chicory family, including Belgian endive (also called witloof) and curly endive (frisée). Native to Europe, endive has been cultivated for centuries and is especially prominent in French, Belgian, Dutch, and Italian cuisines. Belgian endive is known for its pale color and mild bitterness, while frisée has frilly leaves and a more assertive taste. Across cultures, endive appears in salads, braised dishes, soups, and gratins, often paired with acidic or creamy elements to balance its bitterness.

How do you serve endive to babies?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

6 months old +:

Offer just the rib from a large leaf of belgian endive, with the floppy leafy parts removed, for baby to munch on. Baby won’t get much food in the belly this way, but it is an opportunity to practice oral-motor skills and experience the food’s bitter flavor. You can also finely chop or shred cooked or raw endive (either belgian or frisée) and mix into scoopable foods like porridge or mashed potato.

9 months old +:

Serve thin shreds of raw or cooked endive (belgian or frisée) for baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Expect some spitting with the smaller shreds, particularly if they are raw, as raw leafy greens are a challenging texture for babies to break down in the mouth. At this age, you can also offer chopped pieces of cooked endive; just know that the pieces may stick to baby’s tongue or the inside of their mouth which can cause harmless gagging. Alternatively, keep serving just the rib from a large leaf of raw belgian endive.

12 months old +:

Offer cooked endive as desired in chopped pieces, shreds, or strips. For raw endive, continue with offering shredded or finely chopped. Continue to expect some spitting as the child learns to manage the texture of the raw leaf in their mouth.

18 months old +:

Serve cooked and raw endive as you like. Toddlers at this age tend to have the molars and chewing skill to manage endive in most shapes and sizes, including in large cooked wedges or whole raw leaves.

  • Pair endive with sweet or acidic foods like apple, pear, citrus, or yogurt to balance its bitter flavor.

  • Choose firm, pale heads of belgian endive or crisp, vibrant frisée for best quality.

  • Store unwashed endive in the refrigerator crisper drawer, wrapped loosely to prevent wilting.

Is endive a choking hazard for babies?

Yes, thick pieces of raw endive can be firm and hard to chew, qualities that can increase choking risk. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve endive in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Is endive a common allergen?

No, endive is not a common allergen. However, allergies to vegetables of the chicory family, of which endive is a member, have been reported.[1] [2] [3] Allergies to lettuce in general are well documented in the literature, and individuals with allergy to one type of lettuce may react to others as well. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to certain tree pollens, may also be sensitive to endive.[2] Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking endive may help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.[4] [5]

Is endive healthy for babies?

Yes. Endive contains plenty of important nutrients for a developing child, including folate, potassium, vitamin K, antioxidants and a dash of fiber. Together, these nutrients work to support neurodevelopment, heart health, iron absorption, blood clotting, bone health, digestive processes, and more. 

What’s the difference between endive and escarole?

They are closely related members of the chicory family. Escarole has broader leaves and a milder bitterness, while endive tends to be narrower and more bitter.

Reference Material

AAAAI. (2020). Lettuce Anaphylaxis.
P. Cadot, A.-M. Kochuyt, R. van Ree, J.L. Ceuppens (2003). Oral Allergy Syndrome to Chicory Associated with Birch Pollen Allergy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 131 (1): 19–24. https://doi.org/10.1159/000070430
Minciullo, P.L., Trombetta, D. Saija, A., Bonanno, D. (2004). Allergy to red chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sylvestre). Italian Journal of Food Science, 16 (4): 483-485.
4. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen Fruit Syndrome (PFS).

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