White Chicory from Milano (Cichorium intybus L.)

White Chicory from Milano (Cichorium intybus L.): Annual variety, to be sown from May to August and harvested in the autumn-winter period. It stands out amongst other plants in the species from a morphological point of view, the shape, colour and size of the leaves are diverse from more commercial chicories. An eye-catching feature is the bulky elongated head, that causes the edible part to be particularly large and candidly white thanks to the natural protection from the sunlight provided by its shape. The crunchy leaves are used  for cold dishes such as salads, but can also be cooked.

Tis variety is not very popular in the market bevìcause it does not have a long shelf-life, it deteriorates fast after harvest, so in order to really enjoy it, it should be cultivated at home. Rustic and easy to cultivate, it can be sown all year round, favouring the summer/autumn sowing, it tolerates low temperatures better than torrid summers.