Rosalba Radicchio has been labeled as the “It Girl” of the Radicchio scene, slightly sweeter and more mellow than its bitter, prettier cousin from Treviso — stealing the hearts of American Chefs everywhere. In true ‘it girl’ fashion, Rosalba is hard to come by. But we were able to harvest some from our friends at Weiser Family Farms this week, sprinkling them in some lucky Regenerative Farm Box deliveries across LA today. It’s sexy cousin, Treviso Radicchio, is also native to Northern Italy. This chicory produces the most beautiful spectrum of pink hues — its leaves softly ranging from blushes to salmons, with undertones of sage green and rose-tinted whites. Both of them are a seductive Italian beauties. But beware — they are look beautiful but have a bitter aftertaste. I lived in Italy in my early 20’s, in the town named Treviso (from where Treviso Radicchio is from). The local Radicchio is so prized in the country that it is monitored and protected by the Consorzio Radicchio di Treviso. There are 140 members a part of the consortium, and the group was established to ensure traditional techniques were being used to grow Radicchio. Authentic Radicchio Rosso di Treviso is immersed in spring water from the Sile river in a process known as “bleaching.” This cold shocking causes the leaves to turn purple and the stems to develop their crisp, white appearance. The spring water also contributes nutrients to build the vegetable’s mild, bitter flavor. If you are one of the 400 people getting a farm box today, enjoy this Italian beauty. X Richard