Description

Chicory ‘Radicchio Palla Rossa’, also known as Radicchio ‘Red Ball’, is an annual heirloom leaf vegetable. The leaves and heart are red, the veins are white. Heart is only formed during cooler months. Pick leaves as desired or wait until the heart has formed.
Chicory is needed for the ‘bitter principle’ needed for optimum health which has been engineered out of modern food. Also essential for liver and the immune system. Use fresh and young in juices, or baked and caramelised in maple syrup.
To collect seed, cut the branches with seed heads when they turn brown and the flowers have no petals. Place upside down in a paper bag for a minimum of two weeks to dry thoroughly. Rub the stems between your hands or use a rolling pin to release the seeds; winnow as necessary.