Variety traits

Storage Life of Witloof Chicory

Cichorium intybus L. (Leaf Chicory Group)

The ability of chicory heads or roots to maintain commercial quality during storage, limited by physiological defects and temperature regimes.

In the reference 5 varieties crop Chicory, where this is mentioned in the description.

The storage life of Witloof chicory is evaluated by its ability to maintain the density and commercial appearance of the produce, with a storage period of 4–6 weeks for some hybrids. A key quality indicator is the tissue resistance to browning, which is a consequence of phenolic compound oxidation due to improper storage conditions, particularly at temperatures above +4°C.

This trait depends directly on varietal characteristics and the quality of the harvested raw material, especially for roots intended for subsequent forcing of chicons. Storage life decreases with excessive nitrogen fertilization, which stimulates vegetative growth to the detriment of the commercial produce's quality characteristics, making it more susceptible to physiological defects and diseases.

General information about the subject — on the page Keeping quality.

Sources7

Varieties of Chicory mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.