What is Treviso Radicchio?
Treviso radicchio is a mild variety of radicchio notable for its deep purple leaves, elongated shape and tapered, torpedo-like form. Compared with other radicchios, Treviso is narrower and longer. Native to northern Italy, it is a staple in Italian cuisine. Raw leaves are relatively firm, but Treviso softens and develops new textures when cooked.
Treviso radicchio is a mild type of radicchio. Here’s how to buy, prepare, and cook with treviso radicchio. Plus recipes with radicchio!
What Does Treviso Radicchio Look Like?
As a member of the chicory family, Treviso radicchio displays dark red to purple leaves contrasted with bright white veins. Its elongated head and striking color can cause it to be mistaken for red lettuce or cabbage, but its texture and flavor are distinct.
What Does Treviso Radicchio Taste Like?
Treviso radicchio has a pronounced bitter bite and sometimes a slight peppery note. That bitterness is prized for adding contrast and depth to dishes, whether used raw to brighten salads or cooked to complement rich ingredients. It pairs well with pasta, grilled meats, fish, and cheese. If you prefer a milder flavor, soaking cut leaves in water briefly can reduce the bitterness.
Radicchio Substitutes
If Treviso radicchio is unavailable, choose a substitute based on purpose. For color and mild crunch, red lettuce or red cabbage works. For a similar bitter profile, opt for other chicories such as endive, escarole or another radicchio variety.
How to Cook With Treviso Radicchio
Treviso is versatile and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Common cooking methods include braising, sautéing, steaming, roasting and grilling. For a simple grilled preparation, halve the heads lengthwise, brush with olive oil, season with salt, and cook over medium-high heat until charred on the outside and tender inside. Cooking mellows the bitterness and brings out a hint of sweetness.
How to Store Treviso Radicchio
Stored properly, Treviso radicchio can keep for more than a week. Place unwashed heads in the refrigerator crisper drawer, loosely wrapped in plastic or in a perforated plastic bag to maintain humidity. If leaves begin to wilt, revive them by soaking in very cold water. Avoid freezing, as radicchio does not retain its texture well after thawing.
Where to Find Treviso Radicchio
Treviso radicchio can be seasonal and sometimes harder to find. Check the produce section at local grocery stores, specialty Italian markets, or farmers markets when in season. Grocery delivery or pickup services may also list Treviso radicchio if it’s available nearby.
Try Treviso radicchio in salads, on flatbreads, or paired with citrus, bacon, blue cheese, or fresh mozzarella for balanced dishes that highlight its color and bitter flavor.
- Frisee, Radicchio and Escarole Salad with Citrus Dressing
- Blue Cheese, Radicchio, Onion and Honey Flatbread Strips
- Endive and Radicchio Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
- Endive, Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
- Red Salad with Citrus, Honey and Thyme Vinaigrette