Radicchio Preparation

Buying Radicchio
Look for: radicchio heads that are compact, with leaves that are fresh, moist, and tender. Avoid: radicchio with leaves that are torn, dried, limp, or yellowed.

Storing Radicchio
Store radicchio unwashed in the coldest section of the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. Do not wrap or cover

Preparing Radicchio
Rinse in cold water. Trim off the bottom stem as you would lettuce and cut out the core in a cone. If the radicchio has a root, trim it off, but do not discard. Use it as you would a radish or other root vegetable. If the leaves look wilted, soak them in a bowl of cold water to revive.

Game plan: If you want to increase the bitter flavor of the dish, use more of the white ribs and core of the radicchio. If you want a sweeter flavor, use mostly the purple parts.