Artichokes are popular so you may be wondering when is the right time to harvest them. Luckily, there isn’t just one date they can be harvested on; here’s all the artichokes that you should know about.
Types of artichokes
There are two types of artichokes, the globe artichoke and the Jerusalem artichoke. The globe artichoke is the more popular of the two and is what most people think of when they think of an artichoke. Globe artichokes are actually a type of thistle, and their edible portion is the bud. The bud is made up of many small, edible, flower petals that surround a hairy center called the choke. When cooking a globe artichoke, you generally remove the choke before eating. Jerusalem artichokes, on the other hand, are not actually related to either artichokes or thistles. They are actually a type of sunflower, and their edible portion is the tuber. Jerusalem artichokes can be eaten raw or cooked, and there is no need to remove the choke before eating.
How to harvest an artichoke
Harvesting artichokes is a simple process that can be done with just a few tools. First, you will need a sharp knife. Second, you will need a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the spines on the artichoke leaves. Third, you will need a large bowl or bucket to hold the harvested artichokes.
To harvest an artichoke, start by cutting off the stem about an inch below the bottom of the artichoke. Then, using your knife, cut around the base of the artichoke to loosen it from the plant. Gently twist and pull the artichoke from the plant. Be careful not to damage the plant when removing the artichoke.
Once you have removed the artichoke from the plant, trim off any remaining stem and leaves. The stem and leaves can be composted or thrown away. Finally, place the harvested artichokes in your large bowl or bucket and store them in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them.
Artichoke trivia
Did you know that the artichoke is actually a flower?! The part that we eat is the bud of the artichoke plant. Artichokes are in the thistle family, and if left to bloom, they will produce beautiful purple flowers.
Fun fact: the city of Gilroy, California is known as the “garlic capital of the world” but did you know that it’s also home to the “artichoke festival”? Every year in late spring, this town celebrates all things artichoke with an artichoke parade, cooking contests, and more!
Another fun fact: Did you know that there’s an entire town in Italy named after this vegetable? It’s called Cerreto d’Esi and is located in the province of Ancona in central Italy.
Artichokes are definitely a unique and interesting vegetable – next time you eat one, take some time to appreciate all that goes into this delicious food!
Recipes that involve artichokes
There are many recipes that involve artichokes, and the timing of when to harvest them can vary depending on the dish. For instance, if you want to make roasted artichokes, you’ll want to wait until they’re larger and more mature. But if you’re planning on making grilled artichokes, it’s best to harvest them while they’re still young.
Here are a few recipes that involve artichokes:
Roasted Artichokes:
Ingredients:
-4 large artichokes
-1/2 lemon
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut off the top quarter of each artichoke and trim the stem so it’s about an inch long. Rub the cut surfaces with half of the lemon.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the artichokes and season with salt and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until leaves are tender and the bottom is browned when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with the remaining lemon half squeezed over top. Enjoy!
