Endive is a leafy vegetable that looks a little like lettuce – technically it is considered a type of lettuce. It has a bitter flavor.
It’s also sometimes called escarole, depending where you live! To mix things up more, chicory is another term used to describe this leafy green.
There are a few different types of endive: some have more flattened leaves, while others have curly leaves.
Yes: guinea pigs can eat endive!
Endive is safe for guinea pigs, and it contains a great bundle of nutrients including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Folate
- Potassium, iron and other minerals
- Good source of fiber
Different types of endive will have different nutritional profiles, but in general they are all considered nutritious.
Endive is an ideal food for guinea pigs and most will enjoy munching on the leaves on a daily basis.
Growing your own endive is the best way to make sure you aren’t buying products that have been sprayed with pesticides (if you aren’t sure whether your purchased endive is organic – always wash thoroughly).
Good news is that growing endive in your garden is relatively simple as long as you have a spot that gets sun for most of the day. This plant also tolerates frost well and can be started out in pots before you transfer them to some quality soil in the garden.
