Baby artichokes

Baby artichokes

  • +Description

    There are probably as many as 50 different artichoke varieties grown in warm climates around the world but only the green or globe artichoke, an Italian type, is cultivated commercially. Artichokes vary greatly in size. Differences are not related to quality or maturity, but are determined by the part of the stalk the buds grow on. Large ones on the centre stalk, smaller ones on side branches and “baby” artichokes at the base. The shape of the artichoke also varies. While spherical and oval-shaped artichokes are preferred for market, a more cylindrical shape is quite common. Even conical-shaped artichokes have been produced. Whatever its size or shape, an artichoke should be compact and heavy for its size with leaves or scales that are fleshy, thick, firm and tightly closed.

  • +Availability

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available

    Baby artichokes are available from France, Peru, Spain and Egypt.

  • +Main nutrients

    Beta- Carotene, Calcium, Folic acid, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Vitamin B3, C and K.

Main varieties

  • Artichoke

    Artichoke

    The green or "global" artichoke is the main variety. Large artichokes grow on the centre stalk, smaller ones on side branches and “baby” artichokes at the base.

    View Artichoke

Preparation

Preparation

If the baby artichokes are eaten raw the little thorns on the end of the leaves should be cut off. When the artichokes are getting cooked this is not necessary as the thorns soften with cooking.

Consumption

There are many ways of consuming baby artichokes. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be boiled , steamed, deep fried or even made into tea. Baby artichokes are commonly used to decorate a dish.

When to eat

Artichokes may be eaten cold or hot, but are recommended to be eaten hot. Baby artichokes should be stored in the refrigerator.

Did you know?

  • Technically, an artichoke is a flower.
  • Artichokes are said to be aphrodisiacs
  • The city Castroville in California, is known as the artichoke capital of the world
  • There are 50 different artichoke varieties grown in the world but only the green artichoke, is cultivated commercially.
  • In 1948, Marilyn Monroe was crowned as the first California Artichoke Queen.
 

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