Cultivation

Storage of the chicory roots in a cold store

The harvested witloof chicory roots are stored in large wooden boxes with a capacity of 2 m3 and kept in cold stores until the roots are planted again. The storage of chicory witloof or Belgian endive roots in the cold store has two purposes. The roots are vernalized by the cold. The roots pass from the vegetative phase to the generative phase when exposed to cold. This physiological change in the chicory witloof root is necessary to allow a closed witloof chicory head to grow on the chicory root. Storage is also necessary to ensure a supply of chicory roots throughout the year. After all, cultivation of the head takes just three weeks. In order to be able to produce continuously, a certain number of chicory roots must be planted every week. This makes year-round cultivation possible. For longer storage, the witloof chicory roots should be frozen at -1 to -2 °C. For short-term storage, it is also possible to store just above the freezing point. After the storage period the roots will be planted to grow the chicory heads.