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Radicchio is a plant with a cabbage-looking head in the daisy family(1), specifically a type of leaf chicory(1,2), and AKA Italian chicory as it is used so much in Italian cuisine: so much so that varieties are named after the Italian regions they originated from. Radicchio di Chioggia is the most-grown and most popular variety(2). Radicchio's red color with white veins began in 1860 with the advent of placing plants in water in darkened sheds to inhibit chlorophyll production(2), yet otherwise it has been used for hundreds of years as a salad veggie(1); Italian cuisine also uses it grilled and mixed in various dishes, which reduces bitterness and spiciness. The ancient Roman Pliny the Elder describes it as used for blood purification and insomnia; it does have intybin, a sedative, analgesic(2), and effective anti-malarial agent, also responsible for its bitterness. Some parts of America grow it, however the Mediterranean region, especially Italy, remains the primary source for the States(1).
Radicchio roots can be made into coffee alternative or additive like other chicories. Effective at eliminating intestinal worms, and with studies on farm animals, it is used frequently as a supplement to forage(2). Radicchio contains very good amounts of zeaxanthin (Please see one of our earlier articles in this link: "Zeaxanthin: Pigment-Nutrient") and lutein, which help the eyes filter UV rays and prevent damage. It has excellent quantities of Vitamin K, part of forming and strengthening bones. Otherwise, it contains some B vitamins and various minerals.
Sources:
1. "Radicchio nutrition facts and health benefits." Nutrition And You. Umesh Rudrappa. Web. 3 Aug. 2020. https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/radicchio.html.
2. Wikipedia contributors. "Radicchio." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 6 Jul. 2020. Web. 3 Aug. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radicchio.
Radicchio roots can be made into coffee alternative or additive like other chicories. Effective at eliminating intestinal worms, and with studies on farm animals, it is used frequently as a supplement to forage(2). Radicchio contains very good amounts of zeaxanthin (Please see one of our earlier articles in this link: "Zeaxanthin: Pigment-Nutrient") and lutein, which help the eyes filter UV rays and prevent damage. It has excellent quantities of Vitamin K, part of forming and strengthening bones. Otherwise, it contains some B vitamins and various minerals.
Sources:
1. "Radicchio nutrition facts and health benefits." Nutrition And You. Umesh Rudrappa. Web. 3 Aug. 2020. https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/radicchio.html.
2. Wikipedia contributors. "Radicchio." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 6 Jul. 2020. Web. 3 Aug. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radicchio.
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