Radichetta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 'Radichetta'
Image from A descriptive catalogue of vegetables (1940)
Species	Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
Origin	Italy

Radichetta (also called 'Catalogna Lettuce') is a type of chicory. It is a leafy green vegetable, a bit like radicchio or lettuce. It has a soft texture and a slightly bitter taste. People often eat it raw in salads or sandwiches. It can also be used to make food look nice as a garnish.

What is Radichetta?

Radichetta is part of the chicory family. It looks a lot like a leafy lettuce. Its leaves are usually long and slender. The mild bitterness makes it a unique addition to many meals.

Growing Radichetta

Radichetta is quite easy to grow from seeds. You can start the seeds indoors first. Then, you can move the young plants outside. Or, you can plant the seeds directly outdoors in rows. It's best to leave about 8 to 12 inches between each plant. This gives them enough space to grow.

When to Plant

You can plant Radichetta seeds from February all the way to the end of October. This long planting season means you can enjoy fresh Radichetta for many months. The plants can grow up to 1 foot (about 30 cm) tall.

Caring for Your Plants

Radichetta plants are quite tough. They can handle cold weather well. They also don't "bolt" quickly in the spring. Bolting means the plant grows a flower stalk and stops producing good leaves. This is a good thing because it means you can harvest the leaves for longer.

Harvesting Radichetta

You can pick the young leaves when they are small. This is great for adding to salads. Or, you can wait for the whole plant to grow bigger. You can harvest the entire head later in the summer.

How to Enjoy Radichetta

Radichetta is very versatile in the kitchen. You can eat it fresh or cooked. It's a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes.

Eating Raw

Many people enjoy Radichetta raw. It's perfect for salads, just like lettuce. Its slightly bitter flavor adds a nice kick. You can also add it to sandwiches for extra crunch and taste.

Cooking Radichetta

Radichetta can be cooked like other leafy greens. A simple way to cook it is to lightly sauté it. You can use a little olive oil in a pan. Cooking makes its flavor milder and its texture softer.