Zidan is a mid-season endive salad chicory distinguished by large rosettes with dark green leaves, ruffled at the edges, and a yellow-green center. The vegetative period lasts 60–65 days, making it convenient for scheduling sowings in open ground.
Zidan is widely used both fresh and after braising. Before consumption, the leaves can be softened by soaking them in salted water for 10–20 minutes – this helps remove the piquant bitterness characteristic of endive. Such preparation makes the dish softer and more pleasant to taste.
Zidan seeds are available in packs of 1,000 and 5,000 pieces from producers Enza Zaden and Rijk Zwaan. They are suitable for both open and closed ground, and can be grown in early, mid-early, or mid-season, ensuring flexibility in sowing planning.