Radicchio firestorm

[small]

OK, I've done what I thought might be the difficult part and grown some beautiful, hearted plants of Radicchio 'firestorm', Duchy Originals no less (thank you Wyevale 10p sale). Can someone now tell me how on earth to make them edible? Have I just grown them wrongly? They are the most bitter thing I have ever tasted, and I can eat old sorrel leaves without puckering up.....

[small]

[kypfer]

I like my radicchio with chutney ... bu I do admit, it was an aquired taste. I still only have a couple of leaves at a time, mixed in with lettuce, rocket and nasturtium leaves. Gives a welcome "bite" against the pepperiness of the rocket and nasturtium.

[1066]

I've always heard that it does well over winter, in that it gets less bitter as winter progresses. But that might be bunkum, as I've yet to try mine!
I'm sure I've got a recipe for radicchio in risotto somewhere, if you are interested? Or maybe I should try it out 1st and see if I can recommend it!!

1066  :)

[Bill Door]

Yep grown in warm weather it does get bitter.  However, grow during the cooler season it is less bitter.  Try baking with olive oil and adding balsamic vinegar before eating.

Try covering a couple of plants and "forcing" like rhubarb with no light getting to it for three weeks.  Discard outer leaves and the white centre might be good.

Bill

[small]

Thanks all. I shall wilt some into my next risotto instead of my beloved leaf beet, and try the forcing thing. What a shame that something looking so good tastes so rough!

[1066]

Apparently it takes to being grilled well, and then as Bill say's add a vinegrette

good luck!