Not as good a crop as last year, but they'll make a very pleasant addition to our Sunday Lunch.
Many people find Artichokes a tad frightening. It's that 'what the hell do I do with these?' feeling that overcomes certain people when they see the green balls of spikes, looking anything but edible. But they're worth persevering with.
They can, of course be boiled whole, and the leaves taken off individually before being dunked in a vinaigrette and the fleshy part consumed.
I, personally, prefer to prepare them in advance, then eat the whole thing. I trim them, neaten them, and make them look appetising, then serve them all ready to eat.
At this point I was going to show you how they ended-up, but I forgot to take a photo; so here's one I took earlier. Yesterday's were just the same. Delicious.
I've never tried them, don't often see them in supermarkets here and always too expensive. I'm becoming less adventurous with foods as I get older, sticking with what I know I like and can afford.
ReplyDeleteThey are a lot of work, but the rewards are good. Most people find it easier to buy them in cans.
DeleteThey're a winter vegetable here. We just eat the hearts. As you say, a lot of preparation but worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteWe mainly eat them with an egg and lemon sauce.
I'm sure you enjoyed them. Do they grow wild or just come up year after year in the same patch?
I planted them several years ago. I cut them back every autumn, and am presented with a crop on my return in June. We tend to eat them with a simple vinaigrette.
DeleteI have never tried them but I'm sure they are very good if prepared the right way.
ReplyDeleteBuy some Artichoke Hearts in tins, you might find you really like them.
DeleteWhy are they called artichokes? I expect it is because they have an arty appearance and people often choke on them.
ReplyDeleteHere they're called Artichauts (hot artists). In Italy Carciofo (coughing in your car). And in Spain Alcachofa (alcoholic chocolate).
DeleteI've eaten artichokes on occasions, but never prepared them myself. Recently I bought a fresh one at the supermarket, put it in the fridge and forgot all about it! I think I'll stick to the bottled variety which are plentiful and inexpensive here.
ReplyDeleteThe bottled one are good too. The only trouble with preparing them yourself, is that it takes so long.
DeleteI should try preparing them again, as you say it takes a bit of work.
ReplyDeleteSadly so. I never mind, as I grow my own.
DeleteThey are rarely seen up here in 'the sticks' I suppose because folk don't know what to do with them. I have eaten them in restaurants abroad and loved them but havent ever dared to prepare them myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they would grow in your area. I'm growing them in Brighton and the plants are flourishing.
DeleteI wish someone would serve me the beautifully prepared artichokes in your picture. I've only eaten the bottled variety, (which I find delicious.) If I ever see them on a menu, I will order them.
ReplyDeleteLady M isn't as keen on them as I am, so I had most of them yesterday.
DeleteI love steamed artichokes. It's been years since I had them. I will have to rectify that, I think!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have something different occasionally.
DeleteWe love artichokes... steamed or stuffed... and I do use fresh. As you say, it takes a little work, but a great treat to eat. And although I've never grown my own, I think the artichoke bush is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI planted one in front of our UK home and it looks wonderful. I doubt if anyone will eat the result.
DeleteI love artichokes. Your harvest looks excellent. I tried unsuccessfully to grow artichokes in a large pot outside for the summer and indoors for my harsh winter. My artichokes are marinated in a glass jar bought at the grocery store. Freshly picked from the garden sounds so much better!
ReplyDeleteI like them however they come. In fact I must buy a can or two of 'hearts'.
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