FORCED' chicory, which is like a bitter lettuce, makes a welcome addition to winter salads.

The witloof (white leaf), or Belgian chicory, is grown for forcing in autumn for winter eating.

Sown in May, it is left to grow till late autumn when its substantial roots are lifted and the foliage trimmed off very close.

It is then stored in a cold, dark place until needed.

The roots should be packed upright in a box of sand and then 'forced', that is, kept in a warm, dark place where they produce chicons, the plump leafy heads which can be added to salads.

Force a few at a time between November and March, planting five in a 25cm pot, surrounding each root with compost and leaving the crown exposed.

Cover with an empty larger pot and block up the drainage holes and keep at a temperature of 10-15C. The chicons should be ready in around a month, when they are around 15cm high.