Chicory, Variegata di Castelfranco

New for 2012  Big heading chicory with lots of bright colors mostly green with red speckles. A winter CSA staple for us because it is hardier than most other Cichorum varieties. If dug and forced it creates a beautiful white and pink head similar to radicchio. If planted in June or July it will head up for winter. If planted late it can still be harvested as a loose head. The bitterness of the species is greatly reduced by frosts, soaking in cold water or with light cooking. Great cooked in risotto.