Variegated Radicchio from Castelfranco Veneto PGI was born from a 19th century cross between Treviso Radicchio and endive.
Its cultivation was particularly successful and considerably widespread already in the early latest century.
Known and appreciated not only in Veneto, this Radicchio PGI has acquired a considerable economic importance in its production area. The annual quantities produced are of approximately 200 tons, 5% of which is bound for exports. It is used both raw in salads and cooked as the main ingredient of many dishes.
Variegated Radicchio from Castelfranco Veneto has a head with a diameter of at least 15 cm. Starting from the head base, there is a first circle of flat leaves, a second circle of raised leaves, a third circle of more raised leaves, and so on until you reach the heart. The maximum length of the tap-root is 4 cm. The leaves are cream-white with light violet-bright red streaks evenly distributed all over the plant. The heads have a minimum weight of 100g and a diameter of 15cm. The leaves have a very delicate sweet or rather bitter, but pleasant, taste.