Witloof (chicon, Belgian white endive, Brussels Lof) is an endive (Chicorium intybus) that was first cultivated in Schaerbeek in 1830 by a farmer, Antonius Dekoster. He began to harvest what appeared to be a white plant among the chicory meant for cattle. Witloof ("white leaves") is now grown commercially in the Brussels area.
Historical Dictionary of Brussels. Paul F. State.