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The Diversity of Chicory – Invitation to the Seminar in Schönbrunn


Endivie, Radicchio & Co
Endivie, Radicchio & Co

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the Chamber Dairy of the HBLFA for Horticulture in Schönbrunn will reopen its doors to all chicory lovers from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m. Under the motto "The Diversity of Chicory," participants can expect an exciting program featuring endive, radicchio, and other varieties.


Program highlights

The seminar offers a unique opportunity to intensively explore the flavors of chicory: from a guided raw tasting of various specialty varieties to expert lectures and culinary creations presented by Johann Reisinger, a pioneer of radically natural cuisine.


Andrea Ghedina from Smarties.Bio will take visitors into the fascinating world of Italian chicory varieties such as Castelfranco, Puntarelle, and Tardivo. An English-language lecture will also enrich the program with interesting facts about sugarloaf and chicory meadows.

Wolfgang Palme from the HBLFA (Helfer- und Kulturhochschule) and the Austrian Federal Gardens will shed light on the uses and history of this versatile crop, while Helmut Reiner will provide fascinating insights into leafy, root, and forced vegetables, as well as coffee substitutes and flour made from chicory. Valentin Riegler from the market gardening company ValisGrün will provide practical tips on cultivation and marketing. Mag. Hanni Rützler from futurefoodstudio will give a fascinating talk on the culinary career of the “5th taste” – the bitterness that is particularly evident in chicory.


Culinary diversity & variety exhibition

An extensive exhibition of chicory varieties invites you to marvel at the variety – from classics like frisée, escarole, and chicory to unusual varieties like puntarelle and Rossa di Verona. The event will be rounded off with a tasting of culinary creations that highlight the diversity and flavor of these special vegetables.


Who is the seminar for?

The seminar is aimed at producers, horticultural consultants, garden consultants, nutritionists, trade and sales professionals, professional chefs, specialist teachers, consumer representatives, specialist journalists and anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of chicory.


Organization & Registration

The event fee is €110 and includes lunch, drinks, and the chicory creations. The number of participants is limited, so please register in writing by November 7, 2025. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.


The seminar is led and organized by DI Wolfgang Palme and Ing. Sebastian Bock from the HBLFA for Horticulture and the Austrian Federal Gardens.


This event promises an exciting and enjoyable journey of discovery into the world of chicory. Anyone interested in learning more about these diverse plants should register quickly!


 
 
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