Artichokes are one of the oldest foods known to man.
Artichokes originated in the Mediterranean region and is part of the sunflower family.
Artichokes can be enjoyed when cooked many different ways:
- boiled
- baked
- steamed
- grilled
- deep fried
- sautéed
- stuffed with all sorts of different fillings
The fleshy center section of the artichoke is referred to as the artichoke heart. Artichoke hearts are tender and quite flavorable. The hearts, like the artichoke bottoms, can be served as snacks, appetizers, ingredient in salads or to flavor other side dishes.
Pull off the leaves and eat the fleshy ends attached to the plant. Lift out the cone and cut out the core, which is the fuzzy portion at the center. The heart will break easily with a fork. The leaves are good when dipped in lemon juice.
Artichoke hearts are the tender inner portion beneath the leaves of globe artichokes. They are available canned, in jars and frozen.
Artichokes can be eaten whole or added to other dishes.
Cooked artichokes may be refrigerated for several days in a covered container.
- Small artichokes are good for pickling, stews, and casseroles.
- Medium size artichokes are good for salads.
- Large size artichokes are good for stuffing.
To celebrate National Artichoke Hearts Day, use a quick and easy recipe to prepare artichokes to serve to your family.
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