The differences between radicchio and red cabbage can please the palate

LITTLE ROCK — Last time I was at the supermarket, the cashier picked up my head of radicchio and punched in the code for red cabbage. The price came up as 70 cents.

I said, “Actually, that’s radicchio, not red cabbage.”

She voided it and punched in the correct code for radicchio. The new price came up as $5.50.

“Wow! That’s expensive!” she said. “You should just get the red cabbage instead.”

Get the red cabbage instead? Is she serious?

So what’s behind this $5 difference between red cabbage and radicchio? Is it cabbage inflation? Is the Mafia getting kickbacks on radicchio sales?

No.

Red cabbage and radicchio may resemble one another, but when it comes to flavor, they’re as different as traditional broccoli and bitter broccoli rabe. So what is the difference between radicchio and red cabbage?

Radicchio is a leafy member of the chicory family, often called Italian chicory, which explains its bold, bitter flavor.

Although it’s compact like red cabbage, radicchio’s leaves are thinner and more tender, unlike red cabbage’s firm and waxy texture.

Red cabbage is a variety of cabbage with reddish-purple leaves. Its flavor and texture are similar to green cabbage.

When you’re at the supermarket, here’s how to tell the difference between radicchio and red cabbage:

Radicchio is burgundy-red with white streaks. It’s light when you hold it in your hand and soft to the touch. The price ranges from $3 to $6 a pound.

Red cabbage is actually more purple than red and is uniform in color. It’s heavy, firm and has a waxy finish. The price is typically under $1 per pound.

Both have their places in the kitchen, but just remember that they are not interchangeable. Red cabbage is best in slaws or simply slow cooked and served with pork or beef. Radicchio is wonderful raw in salads, grilled and used as pizza topping, or sautéed and tossed with pasta.

When you want a bold Italian salad, you’ve got to go with radicchio. Due to its bitterness, radicchio pairs best with sweet, salty and acidic ingredients such as oranges, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar.

That’s why this spring Radicchio and Orange Salad Wit h Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette is so pleasing.

So next time you’re at the market, don’t let the cashier guilt you into buying red cabbage instead of radicchio. Just smile, pay the price, and then reward yourself with an unforgettable radicchio dish when you get home.

RADICCHIO AND ORANGE SALAD WITH CITRUSCHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE

Makes 2 main or 4 side servings Salad: 1 medium head of radicchio

1 large or 2 small sweet oranges,

such as Navel or Valencia

Vinaigrette:

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive

oil

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

The zest of 1 large or 2 small or

anges

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black

pepper

Directions: 1. In a large bowl, toss radicchio

and oranges.

1. In a small bowl, whisk

vinaigrette ingredients. Pour over

salad, and toss well. Taste it, and

adjust seasonings as desired.

Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes before

serving so the radicchio becomes in

fused with the vinaigrette.

Variations: Add crispy pan-seared prosciutto

and toasted walnuts.

Add sliced or shredded cooked

chicken and crumbled blue cheese.

Susan Russo is a freelance food

writer in San Diego, Calif.