Crop of the week: Artichokes

-Artichokes are the large, unopened flower bud of a plant belonging to the thistle or sunflower family.
 
-Historians believe the artichoke originated in the Mediterranean, possibly Sicily or Tunisia, where it was first developed into an edible vegetable.
 
-Historical accounts show that wealthy Romans enjoyed artichokes preserved in honey and vinegar, seasoned with cumin, so that this treat would be available year-round. The artichoke was thought to have been an aphrodisiac during the 16th century, so much so that consumption of the rare vegetable was reserved only for men.
 
-The word artichoke comes from the Arabic word "al-qarshuf." The name passed into Spanish during the Middle Ages. The old Spanish word "alcarchofa" was variously modified as it passed through Italian. The name "articiocco" was then modified in English.
 
-Yuma artichoke production varies from the edible artichokes to the production of its seed. Acreage is in the range of 500 acres within the county. Peak season for Yuma-grown artichokes is late February through April.
 
-Artichokes do not have great nutritional value, but they contain small quantities of many vital vitamins and minerals.
 
-Here's one way to eat cooked artichokes.  Pull each leaf off the choke and hold the pointed end between your fingers and drag the leaf between your teeth. Most of the edible portion is on the inside bottom of about one-third of the choke leaf.
 
Once you've eaten all the leaves, you'll see the heart or flower of the choke. Once you see a bed of fuzzy or hairlike strands, you've hit the heart. Scoop out the fuzz with a spoon and discard. The rest of the base of the choke, referred to as the heart, is edible.
 
-Due to the manner in which whole artichokes must be eaten, they are often served as an appetizer. Or, they may be stuffed with meat, fish, poultry or fresh vegetables and served either hot or chilled as a main dish salad.
 
-Cynar is an Italian artichoke-flavored aperitif, a before-dinner liquor that is thought to stimulate the appetite. Artichokes can also be made into an herbal tea.
 
-Apart from food use, the artichoke is an attractive plant, sometimes grown for its bold foliage and large purple flower heads.


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Source: Kurt Nolte is an agriculture agent and Yuma County Cooperative Extension director. He can be reached at knolte@cals.arizona.edu or 726-3904.