Soften the Bite

Radicchio's bitter edge adds flavor complexity to salads and cooked dishes. If needed or desired you can control radicchio's bite by soaking it in water for at least 20 minutes before serving. The amount of time spent in the water will control the intensity of the bitter flavor. As an added bonus–soaking radicchio in ice water increases the intensity of its bright red color.

Enhance the Flavor

Cooking radicchio actually softens its bitter edge by bringing out its natural sugars and creating a desirable new flavor profile. The heat of cooking also causes radicchio to lose its brilliant red color turning it a soft brown yet delicious color.

Preserve the Color

Preserving Radicchio Bright Red Color
For Presentation in Cooked Dishes

To preserve radicchio’s brilliant color in recipes in which cooking is required try this method. Dissolve 1 tablespoon sugar or honey in 2 cups of hot water. Allow to cool and add ice to make ice bath. Boil equal amounts of water and white wine vinegar. Blanch cut radicchio in vinegar solution and plunge immediately into sweet icy bath. This not only preserves the color of raw radicchio but dispels some of the bitterness as well.