Artichokes: curiosities and a classic recipe

The origin of artichokes is in North Africa and Southern Europe, they are very popular throughout the Mediterranean area. Its name comes from the Arabic al-kharshûf.

It seems that the Greeks and Romans already enjoyed this plant.

In Greek mythology, the beautiful Cynara fell in love with Zeus who decided to make her a goddess. But on Mount Olympus Cynara missed her family, so she returned to earth. Disappointed and enraged, Zeus turned her into the first artichoke.. Hence the scientific name of this plant: Cynara scolimus.

Today, 90% of the world's artichoke production takes place in the Mediterranean basin. Spain is the world's second largest producer after Italy. Approximately 40% of Spanish artichokes are processed industrially for subsequent sale.

Climate and artichoke cultivation

This is a winter vegetable that requires cold temperatures but does not tolerate frost. The temperate zones of the Mediterranean are perfect for its cultivation.

Artichoke flowering is induced by cold, but the plants do not tolerate temperatures below -3.8 degrees.

The plant can live for several years and consists of several stems that develop the artichoke flower. The flower is formed by protective leaves with a fleshy base, the heart.

Health properties of artichoke

The artichoke is a very tasty vegetable that hides in its leaves important vitamins (C, B2, B3...), antioxidants and minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium...). It also provides vegetable fiber and is perfect for appetite control. For this reason it is very popular in slimming diets.

The artichoke has numerous health benefits: it is recommended in case of diabetes, osteoporosis and constipation.

This vegetable is particularly indicated for liver diseases (such as cirrhosis, hepatitis or jaundice) because it stimulates the secretion of bile by the liver. In this case, the leaves are recommended in the form of infusion. It is also important in the prevention of liver diseases.

The most important active compound of the artichoke is cinnaria. It is very beneficial to the body for its choleretic and cholagogue properties. This means that it helps to prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, regulates the cholesterol level, prevents the formation of stones in the gall bladder and has diuretic effects.

Artichoke is also recommended to prevent vascular diseases, regulate blood pressure, intestinal transit and cholesterol level, satiate appetite and improve diabetes. Its antioxidant and diuretic properties have numerous advantages.

We also recommend this recipe: Delicious dessert: lemon mousse

Classic recipe: artichokes with garlic and white wine.

Ingredients:

• 8 artichokes of citrusricus.com
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon from citrusricus.com
• half a glass of white wine
• extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of bread crumbs
• salt and black pepper

Preparation:

• Wash the artichokes, remove the outer leaves, cut off the tips and stem.
• Cut the artichokes in two halves and place them in water with lemon juice to prevent them from oxidizing.
• Peel and chop the garlic and brown lightly in a pan with olive oil.
• Then add the artichokes and the white wine.
• Season with salt and pepper and add the breadcrumbs.
• Add a little water.
• Once the artichokes are soft, they can be served while still warm.

Next season you will be able to try our delicious artichokes!

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