Castelfranco has a bitter flavor but it is much milder with sweet undertones. The round heads are uniquely colored, each butter-yellow leave is dotted with spots and veins varying in color from burgundy-red to pale-violet. Individual heads are rose or flower-shaped, with the leaves folding over each other. While all the leaves of the Castelfranco are edible, it is the uniquely colored central head that is the most desirable. When growing Castelfranco the color of this central head can be blanched further by placing a container over the heads and allowing to grow for a few days in the dark or in more advanced farming situations by use of the imbiancamento method. Seasons/Availability Castelfranco radicchio has limited availability in the winter months.

Castelfranco radicchio is an heirloom Italian winter crop botanically known as Cichorium intybus. A member of the Asteraceae family Castelfranco radicchio is a cross between Escarole and radicchio Trevisano. Also known as Radicchio de Castelfranco in its native Italy and by the nicknames Edible Flower, Orchid Lettuce and Winter Rose, a nod to the way it resembles a flower as the lettuce shaped ball of leaves naturally unfold. 

Castelfranco radicchio is tender and mild enough to be served raw and may be added to fresh green salads. Like other bitter radicchio it works well in cooked applications as well such as soups, pizzas and risotto or served sautéed on its own as a side dish. Its bitter flavor marries well with citrus juice, olive oil, balsamic and red wine vinegar, garlic, mushrooms, pancetta, parmigiano reggiano cheese, anchovies, black pepper and fennel.

CHICORY

Don’t forget to add greens to your garden! These easy-to-grow veggies will tolerate a wide variety of conditions. Like other leafy vegetables,salad greens prefer cool conditions but should be kept in direct sun. Often, they are hardy enough to over-winter in many locations, from late summer and early fall sowings. These plants are ideal for growing in the EarthBox gardening system since plenty of water helps promote rapid, uninterrupted growth, and slows bolting.

COMMON PESTS: Aphids, Cabbage Loopers, Slugs, Snails, Flea Beetles, Leaf Miners, Thrips

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Damping Off, Downy Mildew, Rust, Leaf Spot, Rot