Michigan
State University Extension
Preserving
Food Safely - 01600784
10/13/97
Radicchio is a red-headed cousin of Belgian endive. It
looks like the heart of the red cabbage and is about the
size of a small head of lettuce. There are several
varieties that are used in Italy, but the one export to the
United States is called Red Verona chicory. It has a very
pretty purple-red color and the leaves have a nice, smooth,
string-free texture. Radicchio has almost the same bitter
flavor as Belgian endive, but it isn't quite as crisp.
Radicchio is very similar in flavor and texture to the
Belgian endive, which sells for half the price. As it
becomes more popular, increased supplies of radicchio will
eventually translate to lower prices.