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Rosalba radicchio is a full, loose head made up of many layers of thin, green and pink leaves connected to a single, white base. The outer leaves are generally light green while the interior leaves develop a soft, rose pink hue with a smooth, tender, and crisp consistency. In the center of each leaf, a prominent white mid-rib extends into smaller veins across the leaf’s surface and has a firm, crunchy, and aqueous consistency. Rosalba radicchio, depending on cultivation methods, generally has a sweet, floral, and slightly bitter taste and is known for being less bitter than other radicchio varieties. In the final stages of cultivation, the radicchio can be left to mature in soil, developing a crisp consistency, or it can be moved to a dark environment creating a silkier texture similar to butter lettuce.
Seasons/Availability
Rosalba radicchio is available in the winter through spring.
Current Facts
Rosalba radicchio, botanically classified as Cichorium intybus, is a variety of chicory that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The pink-hued cultivar is also known as Pink chicory, Pink lettuce, and Rosa radicchio, and is highly favored for its delicate texture, subtly bitter-sweet flavor, and light pink hues. Rosalba radicchio is still considered somewhat rare as it is not commercially cultivated, but the pink variety is developing an increasing presence at farmer's markets around the world. Pink radicchio varieties are also experiencing a surge in popularity through social media. Chefs are using Rosabla to showcase their creativity, and the light pink tones provide a natural, eye-catching visual to develop unique dishes.
Nutritional Value
Rosalba radicchio is an excellent source of vitamin K, which promotes bone health and is a good source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to repair the body against damage inflicted by external environmental aggressors. The leaves also provide minerals such as copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron.
Applications
Rosalba radicchio is best suited for raw applications as the pink hues and subtly bitter flavor are showcased when consumed fresh. The leaves have a sturdy texture, which allows them to be used as bite-sized lettuce cups on appetizer plates, and they can also be torn into salads, mixed into grain bowls, tossed into pasta, and utilized as an edible garnish. The most popular fresh method in Italy is to dress the leaves in olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. In addition to raw preparations, Rosalba radicchio can be stir-fried, grilled, or sautéed to develop sweet and tangy notes. The soft, crisp leaves can be baked into casseroles, served with roasted meats, steamed and served as a side dish, or grilled for a smoky flavor. They can also be incorporated into desserts such as tarts and cakes. Rosalba radicchio pairs well with sausage, fruits such as pears, apples, oranges, and grapefruit, cheeses such as goat, gorgonzola, parmesan, and blue, red onions, green beans, mushrooms, and nuts such as pine, walnuts, and almonds. The fresh heads will keep up to one week when wrapped in a paper towel and loosely stored whole and unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Canada, radicchio varieties are celebrated at the annual Vancouver Radicchio Festival. The event was created to highlight the unique cultivars that are grown locally in the surrounding regions around Vancouver and growers, chefs, and enthusiasts gather together to celebrate the bitter greens. During the festival, visitors can sample radicchio varieties such as Rosalba, and attend cooking demonstrations, educational talks, and networking events to learn about the future of radicchio cultivation.
Geography/History
Pink radicchio is native to northern Italy, and while the exact date of origin is unknown, many of the varieties have been cultivated in Veneto since the 15th century. Today Rosalba radicchio is primarily found through local markets in Italy and is grown on a smaller scale in southern France. The variety is also exported from Italy to other regions of Europe and into the United States. Outside of Europe, Rosalba radicchio is cultivated through select specialty farmers and home gardeners in the United States and Canada.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
From THE GARDEN OF available at SPECIALTY PRODUCERosalba radicchio is celebrated for its striking combination of green and pink leaves, with tender, crisp textures that make it visually and texturally appealing. Its flavor profile stands out, being sweet, floral, and only slightly bitter, less intense than other radicchio varieties. Additionally, cultivation techniques can influence its texture, producing either a crisp or silky consistency depending on whether it matures in soil or a dark environment.
Weiser Family Farms
19247 Highline Rd Tehachapi CA 93561
(213) 748-9300
Rosalba radicchio has a versatile flavor profile and can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. The soft, pink leaves are perfect for salads, grain bowls, or as edible garnishes. In Italy, they are often dressed simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Cooked uses include grilling, sautéing, and even incorporating them into desserts like tarts. They pair well with fruits, cheeses, nuts, and meats, and can be stored for up to one week when kept appropriately in the fridge.
Weiser Family Farms
Radicchio Rosalba from Weiser Family Farms…..Rosalba radicchio, also called Pink chicory or Rosa radicchio, belongs to the chicory family and is known for its light pink color, delicate texture, and subtle bitter-sweet flavor. It is not commercially cultivated but is gaining popularity at farmer's markets and on social media. This variety is nutrient-rich, offering vitamin K for bone health, vitamin E as an antioxidant, and essential minerals like copper, potassium, and iron.
Coleman Family Farms
Rosalba Radicchio from Coleman Family Farms…..Rosalba Radicchio: Rosalba radicchio originates from northern Italy and has been cultivated in the Veneto region since at least the 15th century. Though primarily available in Italian markets, it is exported to other European countries and the United States. In North America, specialty farmers and home gardeners grow it, showcasing its appeal beyond its native region.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Rosalba radicchio is highlighted each year at the Vancouver Radicchio Festival in Canada, celebrating local cultivars. Enthusiasts, chefs, and growers gather for cooking demos, educational talks, and networking events to explore radicchio's cultivation and culinary uses. The festival showcases the vibrant diversity of bitter greens grown in the Vancouver area.
Avalible at Specialty Produce
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Rosalba radicchio features green outer leaves and soft, rose pink interior leaves with a crisp texture. Its flavor profile is less bitter compared to other radicchio varieties, carrying sweet and floral notes. Cultivation methods impact its texture; when matured in soil, it becomes crisp, whereas growing in darkness results in a silky, butter lettuce-like texture. Its prominent white mid-ribs provide a satisfying crunch.
The Garden Of
Rosalba Radicchio from The Garden of…..Rosalba radicchio is known for its subtly bitter flavor and vibrant pink leaves, making it a versatile ingredient in both raw and cooked dishes. Its sturdy texture allows it to be used as lettuce cups, mixed into salads, or as an edible garnish. It also pairs well with fruits like pears and apples, nuts such as walnuts, and cheeses like parmesan. To maximize freshness, store unwashed heads in a paper towel-lined plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st sd ca 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
RADICCHIO ROSALBA
at Specialty Produce…..Rosalba radicchio is a rare pink-hued chicory variety known for its delicate texture and subtly bitter-sweet flavor. Its appealing light pink leaves are creatively used by chefs to craft unique, visually striking dishes. Though not commercially cultivated, it is increasingly seen at farmer's markets and gaining popularity on social media. It is rich in vitamin K for bone health, vitamin E for antioxidant benefits, and minerals like copper, potassium, and iron.
Weiser Family Farms
Rosalba Radicchio from Weiser Family Farms…..Rosalba Radicchio: This vibrant pink radicchio, native to northern Italy, has been cultivated in the Veneto region since as early as the 15th century. While it is primarily grown and traded locally in Italy, small-scale farming and specialty cultivation have brought it to southern France, the United States, and Canada, making it a stunning yet rare find in markets outside its European origins.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Rosalba Radicchio from Weiser Family Farms…..Rosalba Radicchio: Rosalba radicchio is one of the varieties featured at the Vancouver Radicchio Festival in Canada. This annual event brings together growers, chefs, and enthusiasts to celebrate locally grown radicchio. Attendees can sample unique varieties like Rosalba, take part in cooking demonstrations, and join discussions on the future of radicchio cultivation, showcasing its importance in local farming and cuisine.
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