Radicchio is full of surprises!
Crisp and bracingly bitter, its actually a whole branch of the chicory family.
Learn how to shop, prep, and cook with radicchio.
Simply Recipes / Aaron Hutcherson
Simply Recipes / Aaron Hutcherson
Radicchios are a cold weather crop and closely related to wild chicory.
Compared toendives(another chicory member), radicchio is on the eccentric side of the chicory family.
Theyre robust and colorful, with a pronounced bitterness.
Despite the many varieties that exist, this round and compact maroon-laced head of radicchio di Chioggia is the kind you are most likely to encounter at a grocery store.Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
All chicories mentioned below are classified asCichoria intybus var.
Radicchio
Radicchio is a chicoryand grows in heads of bitter leaves.
It is in the daisy family, not the cabbage family.
Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
The season for radicchio runs October through January.
You may recognise white and maroon leaves of radicchio from mesclun lettuce mixes.
Belgian endive also belongs to the radicchio family.
Simply Recipes Elise Bauer
Radicchio is served raw, braised, or grilled.Cooking it tames its bitter bite somewhat.
They are six types of radicchio from Italys Veneto region, all named after their place of origin.
Its bitterness is assertive but not abrasive.
Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Altogether they make for a satisfying bite.
Belgian Endive
Belgian endiveis actually a member of the radicchio family!
Its known as witloof in many places outside of the US.
Its also sturdy, holds up in wilted salads, and can be dressed far in advance.
Red cabbage lacks the nuanced texture and bracing bitterness of radicchio, but it hits enough of the marks.
When Is Radicchio in Season?
Wherever you are, look for local radicchio and chicories starting in October.
Cold weather not only makes radicchio sweeter, it encourages the gorgeous changes in color.
The cold is key for flavor and appearance.
How to Shop for Radicchio
What to look for in a head of radicchio?
We asked Woolhiser for her expert advice.
But the longer they’re in storage, the more water weight they lose.
That’s where wrapping them in plastic or damp fabric comes in.
