A little history of the Artichoke…

The artichoke that we know and love today is thought to have come from a wild cardoon, which is native to the Mediterranean. The cardoon and artichoke are members of the thistle family (Asteraceae) which sunflowers and lettuce are also a part of. It is believed that they began to cultivate them as early as the 5th century BC.  The artichoke made its way from the Mediterranean (Italy) and worked its way up through Europe

Cardoon

and eventually made it to the USA.

California and Louisiana in particular were introduced to them first and, are still today, largely popular.  Today, California still produces most of the artichokes in the USA and France, Italy, and Spain are the worlds other large growers, however, it is produced all across the globe.

Culturally, the Italians and French still use it wildly in their cooking.

What is it and how do you eat it?

The part of the artichoke that we eat today is actually a not fully mature flower. When the flower is let to fully grow and mature, a brilliant bright purple flower blooms that the pollinators of the farm love!

The plant produces a large buds near the top and smaller buds as they go down the stem. When harvesting, the bud has to be cut 1-2 inches down on the stem so that a new bud can produce again.

Artichokes can be eaten in a variety of ways, and they are in many places around the world. Artichokes are not eaten raw. To be the tastiest that they can be they are cooked (steaming, boiling, baked, fried, etc..).

Italian Stuffed Artichoke

 

A popular Italian method of eating artichokes is stuffed artichokes. Find the recipe here to learn how to make this delicious treat!

 

 

 

 

Spinach and Artichoke dip

 

Another popular method of preparing artichokes is used in a dip! Spinach and artichoke is a popular combination. Find out here to see how to make a delicious spinach and artichoke dip!

 

 

Artichokes are great in simple recipes too which really bring out the flavor. Perhaps the easiest way to eat them is to steam on the stove until tender. Then each leaf/pedal can be pulled off and by using your teeth, the flesh can be scrapped off into your mouth. These can be dipped in butter or olive oil to add a little flavor.

Artichokes from the Farm!

Interesting Fact:

Artichokes were once thought to be an aphrodisiac, so only men were allowed to eat them. Only Catherine de Medici was recorded to have eaten them.

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Sources:

“Where Did Artichoke Originate?” Artichoke Recipes, Artichoke Recipies, 2017, www.artichokerecipes.co.uk/where-did-artichoke-originate/.

“Thinking of a Thorny Thistle? This Bud’s for You!” Vegetarians in Paradise/Artichoke History/Artichoke Nutrition/Artichoke Folklore/Artichoke Recipe, Vegitarians in Paradise, 2015, www.vegparadise.com/highestperch48.html.