Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco

Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco is a forced and blanched chicory head grown across defined municipalities in the provinces of Treviso, Padua, and Venice. The specification limits planting density, maximum head weight, and harvest timing, and requires that forcing, blanching, dressing, and packaging all take place within the delimited production area.

About this designation

Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco received PGI protection on 2 July 1996 and is registered under file number PGI-IT-1515 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013393). The production area spans named municipalities in the provinces of Treviso, Padua, and Venice, including Castelfranco Veneto, Treviso, Mira, Mirano, Padua, and others listed in the specification. The specification requires cultivation in fresh, deep, well-drained soils that are not excessively rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, and are non-alkaline; clay and sand-rich soils on old flood land in the process of decalcification are described as particularly well suited. Sowing must take place between 1 June and 15 August; transplanting of seedlings between 15 June and 31 August. Planting density must not exceed 7 plants per square metre, maximum production per hectare may not exceed 6,000 kg, and the maximum unit weight of individual heads may not exceed 0.4 kg. Forcing and blanching are described in the specification as essential and irreplaceable stages, achieved either by vertical immersion in spring water at approximately 11 °C or in heated field spaces. Dressing must be carried out immediately before distribution. Containers must bear the wording Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco PGI in block letters of equal size, together with the official red-on-white logo. The inspection body is CSQA — Certificazioni S.r.l., based in Thiene (VI). The applicant group is the Consorzio per la tutela e la valorizzazione del Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP e del Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 2 July 1996 under file number PGI-IT-1515, eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013393.
• Planting density must not exceed 7 plants per square metre and maximum production per hectare may not exceed 6,000 kg.
• The maximum unit weight of individual heads may not exceed 0.4 kg, not including any tolerance.
• Forcing, blanching, dressing, and packaging must all be carried out within the delimited production area; product marketed outside it before reaching the required characteristics irretrievably forfeits the right to use the PGI.

Tasting notes

Veneto radicchio from Castelfranco area, distinctive open-rosette form with white-cream leaves splashed in red-purple variegation — known as "edible flower" for visual elegance. Mild bittersweet flavor, very tender crisp texture.

HoReCa use

Premium salads, including as a decorative element; risotto; paired with persimmon and pomegranate in winter menus; on cheese boards.

Packaging

• crate-5kg
• single-head-300-500g
• retail-tray-500g
• gift-pack-1kg

Seasonality