CICORIA ROSSA ITALIANA SEEDS

Cichorium intybus

This tall and pretty red-stemmed chicory is occasionally found in high-end supermarkets labeled “Dandelion Greens". Chicories (Cichorium intybus) are not dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), though both are considered healthy “bitter" greens. True dandelion leaves are best saved for medicinal purposes; it is unlikely that you will ever find true dandelion leaves in a supermarket as they are unpalatable to most people, except perhaps in early spring when foragers and herbalists covet them.

But chicory, DELICIOUS SUCCULENT CHICORY, is a species of such charm and distinct flavor that humans have coaxed an almost unbelievable degree of morphological diversity from it. This variety is especially worthy of a place in the garden: its long, toothed, upright leaves have stems of deep dramatic red, especially in autumn. If allowed to bloom, the contrast of the silvery cornflower blue against the dark red and green of the leaves is astounding. Sublime. And entirely edible.

Start chicories early, like you would cabbage and head lettuce. Germinate seeds indoors: about four weeks before the ground is workable, sow seeds just below soil surface, pressing gently to keep snug; kept moist in bright light these seeds will germinate at room temperature (65°-70°F) in about a week. Harden off before transplanting in early spring. Chicory is very hardy and will withstand frost. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop. The sweetest chicories are harvested in late autumn and early winter.

Cicoria Rossa Italiana can be cut and eaten like leaf lettuce when young. Red stems may be blanched to a beautiful pink. Blanched or not, stems may be prepared similarly to Puntarelle: carefully cut the green leaves from the succulent ribs, saving the green leaves for a chopped salad or pesto. Carefully slit the ribs down the center lengthwise with a sharp knife and place into a bowl of ice water. The stems will curl and become delightfully crunchy. Remove them from the ice water, dress them and eat with a bibb and a big glass of wine.

This chicory may self-sow in your garden if you do not cut the flowers before they set seed. Chicory is considered a weed and a nuissance in some locations, in spite of the fact that it is a healthy and delicious foodstuff. Young plants are easily culled with a corkscrew weeder. Roots can be cleaned, roasted and ground for a fantastic caffeine-free brew. In permacultural landscapes, this selection is a great choice for an easily identified self-perpetuating salad chicory.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.