Tag: Artichoke

To select and store artichokes, start by looking for artichokes that feel firm and heavy, which is a sign that they’ll taste good. Also, make sure the artichokes’ leaves are green and tightly packed. If the leaves are brown or loose, look for other artichokes to buy. How do you tell if an artichoke is […]

The artichoke plant originated in the Mediterranean and has been used for over 3,000 years for its potent medicinal properties. Artichokes were regarded as a vegetable for the elite, and due to the story of the desirous god Zeus and the sensual, beautiful Cynara, artichokes were also considered an aphrodisiac. Are artichokes considered Greek? The […]

In colder climates like Minnesota, artichoke is grown as an annual. Artichoke is an heirloom vegetable that produces edible flower buds that resemble a lily bulb, only green in color. The plant requires about 100 frost-free days to harvest fruit, so either start seed in January or purchase transplants for the garden. Can you grow […]

Storage Notes: Stuffed artichokes can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To freeze a cooked stuffed artichoke, wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Can you freeze artichokes after cooking? Artichokes can be frozen after cooking, but not raw. Uncooked, […]

Artichokes, which are also called globe or French artichokes, are a large perennial plant native to the western and central Mediterranean region, and cousins to chrysanthemums, dahlias and sunflowers (Jerusalem artichokes, which are tubers, aren’t really artichokes at all). What plants are related to artichokes? The fleshy base from which these flowers rise is the […]

Artichokes have a tender heart at their core which is protected by strong layers of leaves – lovely characteristics that may be interpreted in a myriad of ways! They represent hope, peace and prosperity. What does artichoke symbolize? Artichokes are an ancient plant from the Mediterranean. At their core they have a very tender heart […]

Harvesting artichokes requires that you cut off the bud along with 3 inches (8 cm.) of stem. Harvesting Jerusalem artichoke tubers is not done until after frost when tubers are dug up from the ground. After harvest, continue to water and feed the plants. How do you know when an artichoke is ready to pick? […]

To serve, peel the artichoke petals, cut away the hairy fuzz (or choke), and remove any tough woody parts on the stem, then cook the heart until its completely soft. The heart can be served whole, sliced into strips, or mashed. Do you need to remove the choke from baby artichokes? Larger artichokes, such as […]

How To: Trimming Baby Artichokes Peel the outside layer off the stem with a paring knife, working from the end of the stem toward the bulb. Snap off the tough outer leaves of the artichoke until only pale yellow-green leaves remain. Cut 1 inch off the top of the leaves. Do you have to remove […]

The heart of the palm is a vegetable harvested from specific types of palm trees. It has a flavor that resembles that of artichoke hearts, so it can be a perfect artichoke hearts replacement in sauces and gravies. Can I use hearts of palm instead of artichokes? They are an interesting substitute if you are […]

Baby artichokes are fully mature artichokes — they’re just smaller! They grow on the same plant as globe artichokes and are harvested at the same. The artichokes we call “baby” in the U.S. are smaller because they grow lower on the plant. Are globe artichokes baby artichokes? But contrary to their name, baby globe artichokes […]

Artichokes are an exception. When left unpicked, the edible buds open with spectacular 6-inch purple blooms. Native to the Mediterranean, artichokes are grown for their edible buds. To harvest the buds, wait until they form large, tight globes and cut along with a couple of inches of the stalk (also edible). Can you eat artichokes […]

Artichokes are one of those playful foods that have both the leaves and choke to enjoy. I’m a leaf kind of person myself and have always grown these beautiful, big plants for eating and as ornamentals. What is an ornamental artichoke? Globe artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are large, architectural perennial plants that are attractive enough for […]

California is a hub of artichoke culture, where the plant is considered aggressive and invasive because of its ability to spread if it goes to seed. In our colder climate, though, it stays in check. In terms of growing, globe artichokes can be planted in the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Do […]

Now we can’t wait to get our hands on some fresh spring artichokes to see for ourselves! The article explains that artichokes naturally contain an acid called cynarin. You won’t actually taste the cynarin, but it causes the next bite of whatever you eat to taste just a little sweeter than it otherwise would. Why […]

Lesser known but of consideration is the cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) which grows similarly to an artichoke, and at first-glance may be mistaken for one. While the smaller flower buds are edible like the artichoke (though not quite as meaty), it is the midribs of the large leaves that are eaten. Harvested cardoon. Is cardoon and […]

Peel the outside layer off the stem with a paring knife, working from the end of the stem toward the bulb. Snap off the tough outer leaves of the artichoke until only pale yellow-green leaves remain. What part of the artichoke do you not eat? chokeWhen you get to the heart of the artichoke, you […]

The added bonus for baby artichokes is that their petals remain softer that larger artichokes, making more of the outer leaves fully edible. You also don’t have to scoop out the choke, because there isn’t one! Just enjoy the baby heart and tender leaves. Are small or large artichokes better? The smaller the artichoke, the […]

They are an interesting substitute if you are looking to make a dish vegetarian or vegan. You could use hearts of palm instead of artichokes in this hot cheesy dip as well (vegetarian, but not vegan!). Can I substitute hearts of palm for artichoke hearts? The heart of the palm is a good substitution for […]

Bring the pot to boil, then reduce the heat to create a steady simmer. Steam until the artichoke hearts are soft and easily pierced with a knife. Steaming time can range between 10 and 20 minutes depending on how the artichokes were prepared before freezing. Do you need to remove the choke from baby artichokes? […]