There is a greater supply of radicchio rosa from California available. “We have ideal growing conditions this year,” says Francesca Fordice of J. Marchini. “Our yields are better than expected so we have more supply this year and the quality is good. We’re getting the coloring from the light blush to the pink magenta so it’s really beautiful.”
Supply of radicchio rosa should be available through Valentine’s Day, possibly into March.
When it comes to good growing conditions, when planting the tender-leafed mild chicory item, it can’t be too hot. Then, as it’s growing, cold temperatures or lighter rains work generally only when the crop is young. As it grows though, it can handle even colder temperatures as long as the outer leaves are developed. Following planting in late summer to early fall, harvest typically begins at around Christmas and into the first week of January and it’s all harvested at that time. The chicory also grows green and once the outer leaves are removed, the inner pink leaves are revealed. Supply should be available through Valentine’s Day, possibly into March if supply allows.
Nic Marchini standing in a field of radicchio rosa, which grows green. Once the outer leaves are removed, the inner pink leaves are revealed.
Valentine’s and radicchio rosa
That stretch into March largely depends on how demand develops, especially next month given February is the ideal month to ship this winter seasonal chicory item--particularly for Valentine’s Day meals. “We’re seeing strong demand. There’s more knowledge about it this year than in years past--our customers expected it this year,” says Fordice, noting chefs particularly are interested in this item. “We had a chef who was throwing a New Year’s Eve party and it was a pink Barbie party and he wanted a case of it for his party.”
As for pricing, with greater supplies, it’s steady and similar to last year’s pricing.
For more information:
Francesca Fordice
J. Marchini Farms
Tel: +1 (559) 665-2944
[email protected]
http://www.jmarchinifarms.com/