How Healthy Is Bitter Radicchio?

Radicchio originally comes from Italy and belongs to the chicory group. The bitter vegetable with the characteristic purple color is related to chicory and endive. Accordingly, it is also known as “red endive” or “red chicory”. With just 14 kilocalories per 100 grams, radicchio is very low in calories and contains various secondary plant substances. It also provides vitamin C.

Radicchio is native to the Veneto region of Italy, but is now also grown in Germany, France, and Holland. Domestic radicchio that has not been grown in a greenhouse is in season between June and October. The imported vegetables are available from October until the start of the outdoor season in June.

100 grams of radicchio provide about 10 milligrams of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. In addition, radicchio contains the bitter substance lactucopicrin (formerly: intybin) and other secondary plant substances. The bitter substance lactucopicrin can stimulate the gallbladder and pancreas and thus have a beneficial effect on digestion. The substance is also said to have a pain-relieving effect. However, this effect has not been sufficiently proven by studies.

When buying radicchio, you should make sure that the heads have fresh, crisp leaves and that the stalk is light and not discolored. So that the radicchio remains crisp and retains its taste, it should be stored for as short a time as possible. However, if it has to be kept longer, it will stay fresh longer if you wrap it in a slightly damp cloth and store it in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.

The tart to bitter-tasting radicchio is usually eaten raw. It is particularly suitable as a component of salads, for example as a flavor supplement to milder types of lettuce. The tart taste also harmonises well with sweet and fruity notes, for example in an orange and radicchio salad – try a chicory salad as an alternative here – or with a fruit yoghurt filling. Radicchio can also be prepared warmly, for example by steaming it or sprinkling fine strips over pasta dishes. Be inspired by our radicchio recipes!