キク科キクニガナ属の多年草で、学名は Cichorium intybus var. foliosum。英名は Red-leaved chicory、Italian chicory。
The Red-leaved chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum) belongs to Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is a perennial herb that is a variety of "chicory" native to Europe, also known as "Italian chicory" or "Radicchio". Italy is the main production area, and the leaves are bright reddish purple and head round. It has a unique bitterness and is used in addition to green salads and appetizers. The texture is between lettuce and cabbage. In recent years, it has become available on the market in Japan as well. The name comes from the Italian production area "Treviso". The long-headed one is called "Verona".