The Smarties.bio radicchio range expands with four new varieties that represent the tangible result of genetic improvement and the company’s ongoing research activities. These new products stem from the Smarties.bio vision: selecting distinctive types that perform well in the field and meet the needs of the modern supply chain, without compromising on organoleptic quality and territorial identity.
The new introductions:
- ALPONE Cicoria Rossa di Verona
- GAETANO Cicoria Catalogna Puntarelle di Gaeta
- YLENIA Sugar Loaf Chicory
- CASTEO Cicoria Variegata di Castelfranco
They enrich the offering with versatile solutions designed for professional growers and quality-conscious consumers.
ALPONE Cicoria Rossa di Verona
A very early variety, ready 55 days after transplanting, suitable for both spring cycles in protected cultivation and early summer–autumn open-field production. Red Chicory of Verona ALPONE stands out for its elegance and its characteristic deep red color with light veins, recalling the tradition of Veronese chicories. This variety has a compact and uniform structure, ideal for harvesting and processing. ALPONE combines excellent yield with a balanced taste, slightly bitter yet delicate, perfect both for fresh consumption and more elaborate culinary preparations.
GAETANO Cicoria Catalogna Puntarelle di Gaeta
An extremely versatile variety with a medium cycle of 100–120 days after transplanting, representing the Lazio-style version of puntarelle. GAETANO is a modern interpretation of the classic Catalogna Puntarelle di Gaeta. It is characterized by the formation of crunchy central shoots (puntarelle) and jagged leaves with a bright green color. This variety offers excellent uniformity and good vigor, making field management easier. The puntarelle, crunchy puntarelle are ideal for raw consumption, maintaining the typical fresh and slightly bitter note that distinguishes this type.
YLENIA Sugar Loaf Chicory
An early variety, ready 70 days after transplanting, suitable for harvesting throughout October, with high yield and uniformity. Sugarloaf Chicory YLENIA is distinguished by its classic elongated and compact head, with light green leaves and a crisp texture. It is a versatile variety, appreciated for its adaptability and ease of cultivation. YLENIA offers a delicate, mildly bitter flavor, making it particularly suitable as a green component in ready-to-eat salad mixes as well as for cooked preparations, often blended with Catalogna to soften taste and texture. Its orderly structure also makes it ideal for packaging and presentation.
CASTEO Cicoria Variegata di Castelfranco
A late variety, ready 140–160 days after transplanting, allowing harvests at the end of January and in February. It ensures high uniformity both in the field and at harvest. CASTEO enhances the tradition of Variegated Chicory of Castelfranco, one of the most elegant and recognizable chicories. This variety stands out for its broad leaves, cream-colored with red-violet variegations, giving the product a refined appearance. CASTEO offers good uniformity and balanced structure, maintaining a delicate and slightly sweeter taste compared to other chicories. It is perfect for enriching premium salad mixes and enhancing final product presentation.
With these four new introductions, Smarties.bio further strengthens its range, offering varieties that combine genetic innovation, tradition, and quality. ALPONE, GAETANO, YLENIA, and CASTEO represent a concrete response to modern market needs, providing reliable solutions for production and a distinctive taste experience for consumers.
For more information on varieties and radicchio cultivation, dedicated guides are available:
- Chicories Zine
- How To Grow Radicchio Zine
- How To Grow Radicchio in a Nursery Zine
- Forcing Treviso Tardivo Zine
- Cold Storage of Radicchio Zine
Discover our complete and professional range of chicory and radicchio, ideal for a production all year long.