Top 4 Venetian Radicchios

Traditionally grown within the provinces of Treviso, Padua and Venice, Radicchio Rosso di Treviso refers to Italian leaf chicory of the Precoce and Tardivo varieties. This robust red-leaved vegetable is characterized by its pleasantly bitter flavor which can be quite refreshing if balanced with salty cheeses, smoky bacon or sweet balsamic vinegar. Being extremely versatile, Treviso chicory can be enjoyed raw, grilled, braised or roasted, and it is used as an ingredient in a number of various salads, risotto and pasta dishes, as well as meat or fish based entrées.Expand

Italian leaf chicory of the Precoce and Tardivo varieties, Radicchio di Verona is grown within the provinces of Verona, Vicenza and Padua. Verona chicory is packed with antioxidants and characterized by the particular crispiness of its leaves and a strong, bitter flavor which tends to mellow down when radicchio is braised, roasted or grilled. Being amazingly versatile, this robust leaf vegetable is typically enjoyed in various salads, risottos, and pasta dishes, and it pairs well with local red wines.Expand

Named after a small fishing port in the south of Venice's lagoon, Radicchio di Chioggia refers to Italian leaf chicory of the Precoce and Tardivo varieties, grown within the provinces of Venice, Padua and Rovigo. This robust leaf vegetable is rich in antioxidants, and characterized by a strong, bitter flavor. When balanced with sweet balsamic vinegar or salty cheeses, the bitterness of raw radicchio can be quite refreshing, and it slightly mellows down if the chicory is grilled, braised or roasted. Apart from being enjoyed in various salads, Chioggia radicchio is often sautéed with garlic and anchovies, wrapped in bacon and grilled or used in the preparation of various risotto and pasta dishes.Expand

Created in the 17th century by crossing Radicchio di Treviso and escarole, the variegated Radicchio di Castelfranco Veneto is a type of Italian leaf chicory grown within the provinces of Treviso, Padua and Venice. Thanks to its peculiar shape and blanched yellow leaves covered in red flecks, Radicchio di Castelfranco is often nicknamed 'orchid lettuce'or 'winter rose'. Undeniably the most prized variety of chicory, Castelfranco grows in autumn and is very sensitive to cold winter weather. The flavor of its tender leaves ranges from sweet to pleasantly bitter which makes this versatile leaf vegetable used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads to desserts such as Sformato di Radicchio al Domino, a type of sweet flan made with ricotta, custard and chocolate.Expand