Bitter is Better!

Ubiquitous in Italy, organic radicchios and chicories are gaining popularity with North American eaters. While some varieties from California and Mexico are available year-round, the Northwest crop typically starts in October. It extends into winter, adding many types that present an alternative to lettuce during the cooler months. This fridge-hardy category boasts long shelf life and is available in an array of sizes, shapes, colors and flavors, which present a bounty of options for eaters to enjoy.

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!

Boldly Grown Farm was built upon a very specific vision and followed a strategy that few first-time farmers take. Amy and Jacob decided early on that they would focus on wholesale relationships rather than try their hand at farmers markets and retail-direct sales. They also made the decision to grow exclusively fall and winter crops.

This fall, Lane Selman, founder of Culinary Breeding Work (CBN), Professor of Practice at Oregon State University, and passionate produce fanatic, is partnering with OGC to help us encourage our community of farmers, retailers, and eaters to grow, buy and enjoy more organic winter squash and radicchio - two categories on which Lane is an expert!

We’re dedicating today’s Spotlight to introduce Lane’s connection to OGC and her years of work with farmers, researchers, retailers and chefs to expand these two exciting categories. (Spoiler alert: It’s happening and it’s delicious!)

A chicory family member, organic Belgian Endive, has a white and sunny-yellow torpedo-shaped, tightly wrapped head with a satisfying crunch and slightly bitter flavor. Originating in France and the Netherlands, Belgian Endive is gaining popularity in the US alongside radicchios and escarole. Delicious braised or eaten raw in salads, and its leaves are also perfect vehicles for scooping up dips as a healthy alternative to chips. But, wait until you see how Belgian Endive is grown!

Whether spending the last days of 2020 cooking and dining over celebratory dishes or embracing healthy wholesome meals inspired by the New Year, shoppers can be sure that this winter’s Northwest-grown organic vegetables will be the star of any meal!

As sourcing lettuce and other greens transition to California this time of year, cold-weather-loving specialty radicchios grown in the Northwest are the height of local and seasonal eating.