Rest assured—if cooking artichokes isn’t for you, there are many other ways to include them in salads, appetizers, and main dishes. Most grocery stores sell canned, jarred, and frozen artichokes that are already cut, which makes meal prep a breeze. Not only are artichokes delicious, they’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals, and have countless nutritional benefits. Keep reading for more info on artichokes, as well as some incredible recipes to enjoy them in.
What Are Artichokes?
The artichoke is a thorny, flowery-looking vegetable that may seem a bit intimidating when purchased whole. What makes them unique, is that they’re technically immature flower buds of a thistle that are harvested before they blossom. Artichokes are also one of the world’s oldest vegetables, having originated in the Mediterranean region hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, about 80 percent of artichokes in the U.S. come from California, while Italy, France, and Spain supply the rest. This is one of the reasons why you might notice a high price tag on some of these beautiful green plants.
Artichoke Nutritional Benefits
Since artichokes have been around for centuries, they’ve been known to have countless medicinal and nutritional benefits. Not only are artichokes loaded with antioxidants, but they’re packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron.Artichokes are also known to regulate blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and improve both liver and digestive health. Studies show that consuming artichokes regularly can also help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
How Long Do Artichokes Stay Good For?
If you are purchasing whole artichokes, they will stay fresh for about five to seven days in the refrigerator. You can also try to extend the shelf life of an artichoke by spraying it with a little bit of water and sealing it in a plastic bag before you pop it in the fridge.
How to Cook and Eat Artichokes
Cooking artichokes whole can be a bit of a tedious process, which is why many people prefer to buy canned or jarred artichokes that are already cut into halves or quarters. Here’s how to prepare a classic steamed artichoke:
Artichoke Recipes
While there’s nothing wrong with a steamed artichoke, once you get the basics down, feel free to test your culinary skills and have a bit more fun with the tasty veggie, courtesy of the following artichoke recipes.
