So if a Belgiun endive is different from a regular endive, then what is a Belgium endive?
It is Known as witloof or witlof (“white leaf”), endive or (very rarely) witloof in the United States, indivia in Italy, chicory in the UK, as witlof in Australia, endive in France, and chicon in parts of northern France and in Wallonia.
It has a small head of cream-coloured, bitter leaves.
It is grown completely underground or indoors in the absence of sunlight in order to prevent the leaves from turning green and opening up (etiolation).
The tender leaves are slightly bitter; the whiter the leaf, the less bitter the taste.
The harder inner part of the stem at the bottom of the head should be cut out before cooking to prevent bitterness.
(Source. Wikipedia) imge flickr
So can guinea pigs eat Belgiun endive, and if they can how much can they have?
Lets take a look at it nutritional data to find out more about it.
Belgian endive (witloof), raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 71 kJ (17 kcal)
Carbohydrates 4 g
– Dietary fiber 3.1 g
Fat 0.1 g
Protein 0.9 g
Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.062 mg (5%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.027 mg (2%)
Niacin (vit. B3) 0.16 mg (1%)
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.145 mg (3%)
Vitamin B6 0.042 mg (3%)
Folate (vit. B9) 37 μg (9%)
Vitamin C 2.8 mg (3%)
Calcium 19 mg (2%)
Iron 0.24 mg (2%)
Magnesium 10 mg (3%)
Manganese 0.1 mg (5%)
Phosphorus 26 mg (4%)
Potassium 211 mg (4%)
Sodium 2 mg (0%)
Zinc 0.16 mg (2%)
Source: USDA Nutrient Database
As you’ll see Belgiun Endive is low in Phosphorus, Calcium and Sugar, and so….
The good news is that Belgiun endive is fine for guinea pigs to eat.
Although do bear in mind it gives low vitamin c input to the guinea pig.
But they can eat it pretty much on an almost daily basis just like regular endive, every other day in fact is perfect.
Find out more about other foods guinea pigs can and can’t eat in our guinea pig foods section.