Pronounced “ruh-DEE-kee-yo” or “ruh-DIK-ee-yo,” this bitter type of lettuce (which is related to endive) also goes by red chicory and is easy to spot from its vibrant purple color.

There are different varieties of radicchio from the large round lettuce-shaped radicchio chioggia to the slender stalky treviso. Most common in the UK is red chicory, an endive-shaped small radicchio.

Chicory is available throughout the winter months. Choose chicory with crisp, fresh-looking leaves that are springy to the touch and tightly packed; there should be no sign of insect damage. Once ...