Radicchio

Part of the chicory family, this attractive looking salad vegetable may be deep ruby-red or marbled pink in colour with creamy white ribs. Although the leaves have a bitter flavour, they are not nearly as bitter-tasting as the other members of the chicory family, such as frisée (curly endive).

With a crisp, slightly chewy texture somewhat similar to cabbage, radicchio adds a splash of colour and an interesting quality to mixed leaf salads. As it retains its texture well, it may also be grilled or cooked with ingredients.