Artichoke

Also known asGlobe Artichoke · Cynara scolymus

Name: Artichoke, also called globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) — the large, edible flower bud of a thistle-like plant, made up of overlapping, tough, green scales around a soft, fleshy base (the heart) and a fuzzy “choke.” It should not be confused with the Jerusalem artichoke, which is a root.

Description

The artichoke was developed in the Mediterranean from the wild cardoon, a thistle-like plant, and was eaten by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who considered it a delicacy. It spread through Italy, France and Spain, and later to the Americas, and California now produces most of the US crop, with Italy, Spain and Egypt also major producers.

Only a small part is eaten: the fleshy base of each leaf, and the heart. The flavour is mild, nutty and slightly sweet, and artichokes contain a compound called cynarin, which makes other foods and drinks taste sweet when eaten right after.

Main nutrition value

Artichokes are one of the best vegetable sources of fibre, including the prebiotic inulin, and provide folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium and antioxidants such as cynarin and silymarin.

How best to be consumed

Artichokes are cooked until tender, and eaten leaf by leaf, or as hearts.

1. Trim the stem and tips of the leaves, then steam or boil for 25 to 40 minutes until a leaf pulls out easily.
2. Pull off each leaf, dip the base in melted butter, aioli or vinaigrette, and scrape off the flesh with your teeth.
3. Remove the fuzzy choke with a spoon, then eat the tender heart.
4. Use canned or marinated hearts in salads, pizzas, pasta and dips, rinsing canned ones to reduce salt.
5. Rub cut surfaces with lemon to stop browning.

Overconsumption could cause…

Artichokes are healthy in food amounts, with a few points to know.

1. Gas and bloating from the inulin and other fibre, particularly in people with IBS.
2. Allergic reactions in people allergic to daisy-family plants such as ragweed and chrysanthemum.
3. Possible gallbladder effects, since artichokes stimulate bile flow, so people with gallstones or bile duct blockage should check with a doctor.
4. A lot of butter, mayonnaise or oil in the dips.

GroupsStem and Shoot VegetablesDaisy family (Asteraceae)Low fatLow sodiumRich in folateFresh

Related foodsCardoonBean SproutsMung Bean SproutsAsparagusBamboo ShootsFennel

Wikipedia — Artichoke, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artichoke