Radicchio

Veggie Type: Leafy veggie

Season: Year-round, but typically more of a winter veggie

Peak months: February-April

Uses: This Italian veggie is a form of chicory, which might be surprising if you only know chicory from the nutty, earthy taste of its root. The versatile chicory family includes lots of salad veggies, including endive, escarole, and frisée. If your radicchio has outer leaves, like the one in the picture, peel it back to reveal a veggie that looks a lot like red cabbage. If you’re not sure whether you have a red cabbage or radicchio, try a little bit. Red cabbage is fairly mild, while radicchio is very bitter, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to tell them apart. Enjoy radicchio raw in mixed salads, or try it as a garnish on sweet and savory dishes such as risotto, winter squash, or sweet potatoes. Radicchio can also be grilled, broiled, or sautéed.