Artichoke 101: 10 Things to know about this unique and delicious veggie
Think about your usual produce shopping list. It probably consists of common items like bananas, apples, lettuce, tomatoes, and maybe some seasonal fruits and veggies.
But what’s the one thing that’s probably not on that grocery list, even though it should be? Artichokes.
Artichokes are often overlooked because they’re mysterious, a veggie that many shoppers don’t know much about. Think about it: when you see broccoli or carrots in the store, you know exactly how to prepare and eat them. But do you know how to properly select, cook, and eat an artichoke? Most people don’t. Once you learn a little more about this unique and tasty vegetable, you’ll realize just how many benefits you will get from adding artichokes to your diet.
Here are 10 things to know about artichokes, including why they should be your new vegetable staple.
1. The growth and life cycle of an artichoke
Artichokes—a vegetable from the thistle family—are grown from seed and from rootstock, depending on the variety grown. Globe artichokes are grown in the field for a single season. Unlike heirloom artichokes which produce multiple shoots, globe artichokes yield one single shoot. The lone artichoke shoot will produce one artichoke stalk. The stalk of a globe artichoke will yield about 10 to 12 artichokes ranging in size from small to large.
When they first start growing, artichokes are the size of a pea, and if they are not harvested at the proper time, they blossom into beautiful—but inedible—blue-violet flowers.
2. Ocean Mist Farms: The nation’s top artichoke producer
Ocean Mist Farms is the largest artichoke producer in the US, owning and growing 90 percent of the country’s crop. When Ocean Mist Farms harvests its artichokes, it distributes them directly to retailers, who make them available to consumers.
3. Artichoke season
March, April, and May are the peak months for artichokes, but Ocean Mist Farms grows them year-round. The three main artichoke farms for Ocean Mist Farms are in California, so you can often get locally grown and sourced artichokes right from the grocery store.
4. Selecting an artichoke
To choose an artichoke that is ready to eat, you should first pick up a few and find one that is heavy and firm. Next, examine your selection for a healthy green exterior, compact center leaves, and plump (not dehydrated) globes.
If you are selecting an Ocean Mist Farms artichoke during the winter months (December to February), look for ones that have blotchy color and a white, blistered exterior. Connoisseurs believe these “frost-kissed” artichokes are more tender and have a flavorful, nutty zest.
Beware of artichokes that are promoted as thornless as these have smaller hearts, less meat, and a less-robust flavor.
5. Superfood nutrients
One medium artichoke contains four grams of protein, one quarter of your daily fiber, and only 60 calories. Artichokes are also high in vitamin C, magnesium, folate, and antioxidants. In fact, a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006 showed that Ocean Mist Farms artichokes have the highest antioxidant count among fresh vegetables.
Read more about artichoke health benefits: http://www.oceanmist.com/artichokes/nutrition-health
6. The anatomy of an artichoke
In the vegetable world, the artichoke is one of the most anatomically fascinating, as it is composed of many distinct layers. The bud of the artichoke contains the heart—the delightful, meaty core—which is topped by a fuzzy center called the choke. The choke is surrounded by rows of mildly thorned petals, which soften when cooked.
7. How to cook an artichoke
Artichokes are a universal vegetable and can be prepared to eat individually and as a base ingredient in dishes like hummus and dip. To see video instructions for baking, boiling, steaming, grilling, and prepping artichokes to eat, check out Ocean Mist Farms’ video recipe collection.
8. How to eat an artichoke
Artichokes have a fresh, creamy texture and are something to be savored. Once the artichoke is cooked, pull off the petals one by one and dip them into your favorite sauce (butter, mayo, and lemon are popular). Pull the petal through your slightly clenched teeth to remove the soft, tender flesh at the bottom of the petal, discarding the remainder.
When you get to the center, you’ll notice a fuzzy, stringy layer referred to as the choke. This layer is very tough and fibrous, so you’ll need to scoop it out with a spoon. After that, you’ll have reached the best part: the artichoke heart, a petal-free, soft, creamy chunk ready to be savored.
9. Join the artichoke club for free weekly giveaways and monthly newsletters
Want to win some artichokes? Join over 60,000 members for a chance to win field-fresh artichokes. It’s also a great way to receive all the latest artichoke information, straight from the farm.
10. Ocean Mist Farms’ artichoke sustainability and quality
Ocean Mist Farms, a family-owned company that was founded in 1924, is dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship through water conservation, soil health, eco-friendly packaging, and a lower carbon footprint.
Ocean Mist Farms’ mission is to grow only the best, safest, and most nutritious artichokes and other fresh vegetables.
Want more information? Check out Ocean Mist Farms’ website at www.allaboutartichokes.com.