19 July 2015
About ArtichokesLatin Name : Cynara scolymus
The globe artichoke is commonly known as Artichoke. Artichoke is a cultivated variety of a species of thistle that is grown especially for food purposes. The vegetable that we eat are actually unopened flower buds. Artichokes probably originated in the Mediterranean. About The Artichoke PlantThe Cynara scolymus plant grows from 4 to 7 feet high. Its leaves are long, arched and deeply lobed and silvery green in color.
The edible portion of the plant is the flower bud, before it comes to bloom. The flower bud is actually a flower head that is a cluster of many flower buds along with their fleshy bracts attached to a fleshy base called heart that is also edible. The artichoke buds are removed when they are the size of a golf ball because once the flowers start to bloom it becomes inedible. The flowers form a large head and if not harvested will bloom into a purple thistle like bloom. The artichoke head is from 6 to 10 cm in diameter and around 150 grams in weight, and varies in color from dark purple to pale green. Cardoons are in fact, the wild or uncultivated variety of Cynara with the botanical name Cynara cardunculus. The difference between artichokes and cardoons being that in the former, the flower buds and hearts, the lower fleshy portion of the bracts, are eaten while in the latter, the leafy stalks are consumed. The heart and meat of the flower bracts provide all the health benefits that artichokes have. Artichoke tea and an Italian liquer are also produced from artichoke. Artichoke can easily be grown from seeds. |
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Artichoke TeaArtichoke tea can be made by boiling either a whole mashed artichoke or boiling the discarded thorny leaves or collecting the leaves, stalk and root and boiling them after they are washed well.
About 50-100 grams of the above should be put in a liter of boiling water after taking it off the heat and they be allowed to steep for 5-10 minutes in this water. Strain and consume. This tea is mildly sweet so there might be no need to sweeten it. Those who are suffering from kidney disease or gallstones, nursing and pregnant women should avoid this tea. If you are allergic to chamomile, dandelion or echinacea, you may be allergic to artichoke as well. Cooking An ArtichokeArtichoke can be steamed, boiled or braised after cutting off the tips of the bracts which may be thorned.
Also, if the stem is still attached it should be cut off. To cook more effectively the leaves can be opened a little with the fingers. Jerusalem Artichoke FactDo you know? Jerusalem Artichoke is not a true artichoke.
The tuberous roots of the plant Helianthus tuberosus are used as vegetable. Nutrients & Nutritional Benefits Of Artichokes
Nutrients & Their Levels In Artichoke(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA Energy 47 Kcal 2% Carbohydrates 10.51 g 8% Protein 3.27 g 6% Total Fat 0.15 g 0.5% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 5.4 g 14% Vitamins Folates 68 µg 17% Niacin 1.046 mg 6.5% Pantothenic acid 0.338 mg 7% Pyridoxine 0.116 mg 9% Riboflavin 0.066 mg 5% Thiamin 0.072 mg 6% Vitamin C 11.7 mg 20% Vitamin A 13 IU 0.5% Vitamin E 0.19 mg 1% Vitamin K 14.8 µg 12% Electrolytes Sodium 94 mg 6% Potassium 370 mg 8% Minerals Calcium 44 mg 4% Copper 0.231 mg 27% Iron 1.28 mg 16% Magnesium 60 mg 15% Manganese 0.256 mg 11% Phosphorus 90 mg 13% Selenium 0.2 µg <0.5% Zinc 0.49 mg 4.5% Phyto-nutrients Carotene-alpha 8 µg Crypto-xanthin 0 µg Lutein-zeaxanthin 464 µg Health Benefits Of Artichokes
Disclaimer
The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies, supplements or starting a new health regime. References
Spinach And Artichoke DipArtichoke Gratin Appetizer |
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