SoCal Home Gardening

Comparison of With Other Varieties

Frisee is a type of chicory that is known for its unique frilly leaves and bitter taste. Within the Frisee variety, one specific cultivar is called Cestino. Cestino is distinct from other Frisee varieties in a few key aspects.

Firstly, Cestino stands out for its compact and densely packed heads. The leaves are tightly curled, forming a round and firm head, which makes this variety visually appealing and easy to work with in the kitchen. This compactness also contributes to Cestino's crisp texture, enhancing the eating experience.

Another advantage of Cestino is its resistance to bolting. Bolting is when a vegetable prematurely produces flowering stems, often resulting in a decline in leaf quality and flavor. Cestino has been bred to resist bolting, allowing for a longer harvest period and ensuring a consistent supply of fresh and tasty leaves.

In terms of taste, Cestino shares the characteristic bitterness of Frisee, which can add a delightful punch to salads and other culinary creations. However, some gardeners and chefs find that Cestino has a milder bitterness compared to other Frisee varieties. This makes Cestino more versatile, as it can be enjoyed by those who may find the traditional Frisee taste too intense.

Regarding its history, Cestino was developed through selective breeding from traditional Frisee varieties. Plant breeders aimed to create a variety that retained the desirable traits of Frisee, such as its unique appearance and flavor, while improving its compactness and bolting resistance. This process involved crossing different Frisee plants and selecting the offspring with the desired characteristics over several generations.

Cestino seeds can typically be purchased from specialized seed companies, local nurseries, or online gardening stores. It's essential to ensure that the source is reputable and provides high-quality seeds to maximize the chances of success in your garden.

In conclusion, Cestino is a distinctive variety within the Frisee family of vegetables. It stands out for its compact, densely packed heads, resistance to bolting, and milder bitterness compared to other Frisee varieties. These characteristics make Cestino both visually appealing and versatile in culinary applications. With its unique qualities, Cestino adds a valuable option to gardening and cooking experiences.