Radicchio

View Related Videos

It is actually Italian Chicory.  Some (the popular) varieties includes radicchio di Verona which looks like a small head of red lettuce and radicchio di Treviso that looks a bit like a red version of Belgium Endive.  This vegetable is very popular in Italy and has gained in popularity in the United States in the last few years. It is eaten raw with just a bit of olive oil and salt, as well as mixed into a variety of salads.  You may also see it on menus grilled or roasted or combined into other dishes such as risotto.

Radicchio is easy to grow but performs best in your spring and fall garden.  It has a shallow root system and prefers more frequent but not deep watering.  The amount of water varies depending on your soil type.  Infrequent watering will lead to a more bitter tasting leaf.

Harvest
Radicchio matures in approximately 3 months.  It should be picked when it is mature but not old.  The older it gets the tougher and more bitter the vegetable will be.   

How to Store
For freshly picked heads simply brush any dirt off the exterior and put in a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator.  It will keep approximately a week.  When you are ready to use the leaves simply pull the leaves off the head and rinse in cool water.  

Seed Sources
Shepherd's Seeds
Renee's Garden Seeds
Seeds of Change

Grilled Radicchio Treviso With Scamorza Cheese
by Gourmet Magazine, September, 2000 (epicurious.com)

I N G R E D I E N T S
4 (9-inch) heads Treviso radicchio
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup coarsely grated smoked Scamorza cheese or smoked mozzarella (3 oz)
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

I N S T R U C T I O N S
Prepare grill for cooking.
Remove any loose outer leaves from radicchio and trim bases, leaving heads intact. Quarter each head lengthwise. Brush radicchio lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill radicchio on a rack over moderately hot coals (coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack 3 to 4 seconds), covered, turning every 10 minutes, until outer leaves are browned and hearts are tender, 25 to 30 minutes total.

Sprinkle cheese over cut sides of radicchio and grill, uncovered, until cheese begins to melt, about 2 minutes. Transfer radicchio to a platter and drizzle with vinegar.

Cooks’ notes:
Gas-grill method: Grill radicchio, covered, over moderately high heat away from direct flame as above 20 to 25 minutes total.

Grill-pan method: Grill radicchio in batches, without cheese, in a hot well-seasoned ridged grill pan, covered, over moderate heat. Transfer as grilled, cut sides up, to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 325°F oven. When all batches are grilled, sprinkle cheese over radicchio, then heat in oven until cheese melts.

Makes 6 to 8 (side dish) servings