Grocery
Santa Barbara Escarole Endive Radicchio Mix
What it is
This is a pre-washed blend of three distinct leafy greens: escarole, endive, and radicchio. Each contributes a unique texture and flavor to the mix. Escarole offers a slightly bitter, broad leaf. Endive, also known as Belgian endive, provides crisp, pale leaves with a mild, slightly sweet taste. Radicchio, with its vibrant red and white veins, brings a pronounced bitterness and a satisfying crunch. Together, they create a complex and refreshing salad base.
How people cook with it
This versatile mix is perfect for adding a fresh, slightly bitter element to salads and cooked dishes.
- Tossed into green salads
- Sautéed with garlic and olive oil
- Added to pasta dishes
- Used as a bed for grilled meats
To prepare, simply open the bag and drain any excess moisture. The greens are pre-washed, so they are ready to use immediately. For salads, toss them gently with your favorite dressing. They pair well with vinaigrettes that have a touch of sweetness to balance the bitterness. For cooked applications, add them towards the end of the cooking process to wilt them slightly. Sautéing with garlic, a splash of white wine, and a drizzle of olive oil brings out their subtle flavors. They can also be incorporated into soups or stews for added texture and a hint of bitterness.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike milder greens like romaine or butter lettuce, this mix offers a more complex flavor profile with inherent bitterness from the endive and radicchio. The varied textures, from the crisp endive to the tender escarole, also set it apart from single-variety greens.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a ready-to-use, flavorful salad base will appreciate this blend.
How to keep the rest
To maintain freshness, keep the unopened bag in the refrigerator. Once opened, ensure the bag is sealed tightly to prevent wilting. It is best to consume the remaining greens within a few days of opening for optimal taste and texture.