Chicory, Chichorium intybus, is a  member of the Composite family. Endive has two forms - the narrow leaved curly type and the broadleaved one which is often called escarole. The outside leaves of an endive head are green and bitter and resemble the dandelion in flavor.  Inner leaves are light green to creamy white and are milder flavored. Both types are used in salad mixtures with blander-flavored lettuce to prepare a salad with a "little bite." 

Chicory is an important salad vegetable in Europe but not in the U.S. It is most popular in France, Belgium and Holland. In the U.S., chicory is grown for the green leaves which are used as a salad green. Its thick roots are used in the southern U.S. as an additive flavor to coffee and sometimes as a coffee substitute. 

Chicory greens placed in plastic bags will store in refrigeration for about 10 days. Store chicory roots in the refrigerator at 38o to 42oF., and they will keep for several months until used or forced to produce chicons.

Here are some good links to Chicory information:

http://www.ianr.unl.edu/ianr/phrec/chicory.htm

http://capap.coafes.umn.edu/chicory.htm