| 'Radichetta' | |
| Species: | Cichorium intybus var. foliosum |
| Origin: | Italy |
Radichetta (also known as 'Catalogna Lettuce') is a type of chicory, similar to radicchio.[1] It can be eaten raw as a salad green (similar to a lettuce),[2] or in sandwiches, and can also be used as a garnish. It has a soft texture and mildly bitter flavor.
It can be eaten fresh or cooked, in various Italian dishes. It can be cooked like a vegetable, lightly sauteed in olive oil.[3]
It grows fast from seed, either inside (before being planted outside) or outdoors in rows, 8–12 inches apart.[2] It is recommended to sow seeds between February and the end of October.[4] The lettuce-like plants can grow up to 1 foot tall.
It is cold tolerant, and is slow to bolt,[2] [5] in spring.[6] The young leaves can be harvested or the whole head later in the summer.[2] [6]