Puntarelle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 'Puntarelle' |
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Puntarelle sold in the market of Torino, Italy
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| Species | Cichorium intybus var. foliosum |
| Origin | Italy |
Puntarelle is a special type of chicory plant. People also call it cicoria di catalogna or cicoria asparago. It comes from Italy. This plant has long, light green stems, usually about 40 to 50 centimeters (16-20 inches) tall. Its leaves look a bit like dandelion leaves. Puntarelle shoots have a taste that is a little bitter, but in a good way!
What is Puntarelle?
Puntarelle is a leafy green vegetable. It is part of the chicory family, which includes other plants like endive and radicchio. This specific type of chicory is grown for its tender shoots. These shoots are the most popular part to eat.
How People Use Puntarelle
People pick Puntarelle when it is young and soft. You can eat it raw, or you can cook it. It is a very popular ingredient in Italian cooking.
Making Roman Salad
Puntarelle is famous for a traditional salad from Rome, Italy. This salad is also called Puntarelle. To make it, people first prepare the shoots. They strip off the outer leaves. Then, they soak the shoots in cold water. This makes the shoots curl up, which looks nice and adds a fun texture.
The salad is served with a special dressing. This dressing is made from a few simple ingredients. It usually includes anchovy (a small salty fish), garlic, vinegar, and salt. These ingredients are crushed together. Then, olive oil is slowly mixed in until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy. This process is called emulsifying. The dressing gives the bitter Puntarelle a delicious, tangy flavor.
