Radicchio 101: Watch OGC’s Lucas Crawford Break It Down

Oft-misunderstood radicchio has recently been welcomed with open arms by members of the culinary community and select organic growers looking to expand into this niche winter crop. While passionate, this group of radicchio-loyalists represents a small fraction of potential fans, and creating new radicchio customers through varietal education is a large opportunity! 

Just as the challenge was posed by chefs, growers and grocers nearly two decades ago for eaters to hop on the kale bandwagon, radicchio is facing a similar question. 

How does radicchio make the jump from menus at trendy restaurants and onto the plates of eaters at home?

While time will tell if radicchio will go the way of the kale-craze, one thing is for sure: it’s going to take a great deal of consumer education to make it happen. 

But one of many radicchio-lovers at OGC, Senior Sales Representative Lucas Crawford shares some key talking points for anyone looking to encourage more radicchio eaters, including: 

• Radicchio’s origins and historical significance

• Nutritional profile

• Balancing bitterness

• Pairings and preparation techniques

The season for Northwest-grown radicchios and chicories is now! Click here to download OGC’s Radicchio and Chicory Chart, complete with variety descriptions as well as our Pairings and Preparations Chart. 

A delicious assortment of varieties in all shapes, sizes and colors are ready to be incorporated into fresh salads or transformed on the grill and roasting pan. Bring in a selection to allure shoppers.

Often the best way to invite new radicchio fans to the club is through conversation and cross-merchandising, so get creative and chatty this fall and winter!