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A is for Artichokes

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Artichokes: The Incredible Edible Thistle

Growing up in northern California, we were spoiled by an abundant supply of artichokes. Castroville, in Monterey County, is the undisputed artichoke center of the world and supplies most of the crop for the entire country. Indeed, the popular Castroville Artichoke Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the area each May. Artichokes are as versatile as they are beautiful, and provide a unique flavor to many dishes. Thankfully, our local Trader Joe's offers a wide selection of artichokes, including baby and giant versions, and a lovely purple thistle with softer leaves than its green counterpart. We still enjoy them throughout the year.

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Image used under Creative Commons from natamagat (Flickr)

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Globe Artichokes

A Few Facts Courtesy of Wikipedia

The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a perennial thistle originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows to 1.5-2 m tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery glaucous-green leaves 50-82 cm long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8-15 cm diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucral bracts and the base, known as the "heart;" the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke." These are inedible in older larger flowers.

Artichoke and Spinach Lasagna

Artichoke Recipes & More

Add Your Favorite Artichoke Recipes to the List Below

Simply Recipes Learn how to cook and eat an artichoke.

Artichoke Advisory Board of California Favorite dips from Castroville, Artichoke Benedict, Grilled Artichokes, Couscous-Stuffed Artichokes, Baked Artichoke Casserole, Focaccia-Stuffed Artichokes, Artichoke Frittata, and more.

What's Cooking America? Artichoke & Goat Cheese Bruschetta, Artichoke Hearts with Crab, Artichoke Mushroom Cannelloni Lasagna, Fettuccine with Baby Artichokes, Grilled Baby Artichokes, Italian Stuffed Artichokes, Sombrero Artichokes, Stuffed Artichokes with Smoked Salmon Salad, and more.

About.com: Home Cooking Artichoke Hearts in Tomato Rice, Artichoke Mashed Potatoes, Artichoke Nut Bread, Artichokes & Pork Chops with Mustard Cream, Artichoke Rose Garnish, Artichoke Soup, Ragout of Fresh Clams with Artichokes and Tomatoes, Shrimp & Artichoke Stuffed Fish, Spinach & Artichokes in Puff Pastry, Stewed Artichokes with Olives and Moroccan Spices, and more.

Tuscan Fruit Recipe Card Box Available at Amazon

Have a Heart ... Eat an Artichoke

Original T-Shirt Design on Zazzle

Have a heart, eat an Artichoke T-Shirt by socialpmchick

Do You Have a Favorite Artichoke Recipe?

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Artichoke Spinach Dip - Slimmed : Food Network

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Artichoke Soup Recipe @ CDKitchen.com

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Artichokes Napolean - Recipe by Chef Williamson, Quail Lodge, Carmel Valley

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Artichoke by Marni Maree

How to Cook an Artichoke

Here's How I Do It...

Trim the stem and tip of each artichoke, then cut any remaining thorns with kitchen scissors. Place artichokes bottom down in a deep sauce pan so they fit snugly. Drizzle olive oil over the cut, top portion and sprinkle liberally with Lawry's garlic salt. Add thinly sliced lemon wedges and a bay leaf to the pot. Fill pot with enough water to cover the artichokes, plus an inch or two. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 30 minutes. Loosely cover the pan and continue simmering on low for another 30 minutes. Turn off heat and tightly cover for another 30 minutes to an hour. Gently drain artichokes, transfer to a platter, and serve.

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Artichoke Steaming Rack

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)

Size: 4" top diameter x 2.75" base diameter x 2.5" height.

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Castroville, California

Visit Castroville, California

The Artichoke Center of the World

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Colorful Artichoke Tote Bag

Original Artwork Design on Zazzle

Leslie Harlow Original Artwork by lharlow

Artichokes in the News

The Latest News Headlines About Artichokes

Roast Sicilian artichokes recipe: Cut the stalk off the artichoke 5cm (2in) below the base, then slice off the top, 5cm (2in) above the base. Pull off and discard the leaves one by one until you get down to the paler, yellow leaves and the heart. Take a teaspoon and gouge out the hairy ...
Artichoke and mozzarella pizza recipe: Scatter on the mozzarella, artichokes, onion, thyme and some freshly ground pepper. Slide the pizzas on to the stones or baking-sheets in the oven. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, scattering the olives over the top five minutes before the end.
Artichoke, ricotta and almond salad with honey and preserved-lemon dressing recipe: Put the artichokes into a bowl and pour this dressing over them. Cover and set aside until you want to serve (ideally at least an hour). Lift the artichokes out of the dressing and shake off the excess. Arrange them on four plates with the other ...
Creamy potato salad with artichokes and herbs — a healthier version of a ...: Some recipes replace the egg with chopped canned artichoke hearts, which have a similar texture and a wonderfully subtle flavor that complements the potatoes. n Third, and possibly most important, overhaul the mayonnaise dressing.

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Artichokes on Twitter

Check Out the Latest Tweets About Artichokes

Arti Chokes ... When He Eats Too Fast

Vintage Artichoke Label Apron Design on Zazzle

Artichoke Vintage Label Art BBQ Apron by AngelCityArt

Artichokes on Squidoo

Great Ideas from the Squidoo Recipe Files

W is for Welcome

Welcome to the Squidoo Farmers Market ~ Squidville USA

SquidArt Courtesy of tagsforkids

Reply

RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 5, 2012 @ 10:58 am | delete

It was great learning more about artichokes. Right now I am incorporating them into my meals more often due to their nutrients. I've got my eye on that artichoke lasagna pictured above. Sounds delicious!

Reply

curious0927 Jan 25, 2012 @ 9:22 pm | delete

I just Love this lens. While searching for a favorite "food" lens for Quest, I found this! It's so much more than just a recipe. It's a work of ART! Thanks for your hard work. Blessed and Submitted to Quest!

Reply

Mujjen Feb 6, 2011 @ 9:30 am | delete

I love artichokes, and it was really nice to read about them. Your pictures are fantastic!

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KonaGirl Jan 18, 2011 @ 9:32 am | delete

Excellent - well done lens. The images are awesome and the information is spot on. Very well liked and added to my faves.

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ChrisDay Jan 16, 2011 @ 8:26 am | delete

Artichoke art - wonderful - what a wonderful food the artichoke makes - thanks for a great lens.
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