Radicchio is a bitter purple green, originally from Italy, that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes named for the regions in Italy where they originated. Treviso Radicchio originates from the Treviso region of northern Italy and is long and thin, looking like a giant purple endive or head of tapered romaine.

Storage: Store treviso in a plastic bag in your crisper.

Shelf Life: Several days.

Radicchio is frequently rubbed with olive oil and grilled, but can also be used raw as a very bitter herb in salads (often paired with sweeter greens or dressings to balance the astringency) as in this Treviso & Black Garlic Rabbit Salad Recipe. Try combining these methods for a delightful warm salad.
 
Whole raw radicchio leaves can be used as boats or “lettuce” cups for moist salads like tuna, chicken, or (finely diced) potato salad, served either cold or topped with cheese and briefly broiled.
 
Treviso can also be simmered or braised in stock or broth like an endive, which tenderizes it while mitigating its bitterness. Try adding simmered Treviso to risotto made with carnaroli rice or tossing it with pasta.
 
Treviso’s bitter flavor is good balanced with rich flavors like bacon, pancetta, duck, black garlic and Parmigiano Reggiano, or accentuated with sour ingredients like anchovies or boquerones, lemon juice, olives, and fine balsamic vinegars.