Nutrition Cooked unsalted artichoke is 82% water, 12%
carbohydrates, 3%
protein, and 3%
fat (table). In a 100-gram reference serving, cooked artichoke supplies of
food energy, is a rich source (20% or more of the
Daily Value, DV) of
folate, and is a moderate source (10–19% DV) of
vitamin K,
copper, and
magnesium (10-14% DV) (table).
Culinary Large globe artichokes are frequently prepared by removing all but or so of the stem. To remove thorns, which may interfere with eating, around a quarter of each scale can be cut off. To cook, the artichoke is simmered for 15 to 30 minutes, or steamed for 30–40 minutes (less for small ones). A cooked, unseasoned artichoke has a delicate flavor. Salt may be added to the water if boiling artichokes. Covered artichokes, in particular those that have been cut, can turn brown due to the
enzymatic browning and
chlorophyll oxidation. Placing them in water slightly acidified with vinegar or lemon juice can prevent the discoloration. Leaves are often removed one at a time, and the fleshy base eaten, with
vinaigrette,
hollandaise,
vinegar,
butter,
mayonnaise,
aioli, lemon juice, or other sauces. The fibrous upper part of each leaf is usually discarded. The heart is eaten when the inedible choke has been peeled away from the base and discarded. The thin leaves covering the choke are also edible. In Italy, artichoke hearts in oil are the usual vegetable for the "spring" section of the
"four seasons" pizza (alongside tomatoes and basil for summer, mushrooms for autumn, and
prosciutto and olives for winter). A recipe well known in Rome is
Jewish-style artichokes, which are deep-fried whole. The softer parts of artichokes are also eaten raw, one leaf at a time dipped in vinegar and olive oil, or thinly sliced and dressed with lemon and olive oil. There are many stuffed artichoke recipes. A common Italian stuffing uses a mixture of bread crumbs, garlic, oregano, parsley, grated cheese, and prosciutto or sausage. A bit of the mixture is then pushed into the spaces at the base of each leaf and into the center before boiling or steaming. In Spain, younger, smaller, and more tender artichokes are used. They can be sprinkled with olive oil and left in hot ashes in a barbecue, sautéed in olive oil with garlic, with rice as a
paella, or sautéed and combined with eggs in a tortilla (
frittata). Often cited is the Greek
anginares alla Polita ("artichokes city-style", referring to the city of
Constantinople), a hearty, savory stew made with artichoke hearts, potatoes, and carrots, and flavored with onion, lemon, and dill. The island of
Tinos, or the villages of Iria and Kantia in the
Peloponnese, still very much celebrate their local production, including with a
day of the artichoke or an artichoke festival. Artichokes may also be prepared by completely breaking off all of the leaves, leaving the bare heart. The leaves are steamed to soften the fleshy base part of each leaf to be used as the basis for any number of side dishes or
appetizing dips, or the fleshy part is left attached to the heart, while the upper parts of the leaves are discarded. The remaining concave-shaped heart is often filled with meat, then fried or baked in a savory sauce. Canned or frozen artichoke hearts are a time-saving substitute, though the consistency and stronger flavor of fresh hearts, when available, is often preferred. Deep-fried artichoke hearts are eaten in coastal areas of
California. Throughout
North Africa, the
Middle East,
Turkey, and
Armenia, ground lamb is a favorite filling for stuffed artichoke hearts. Spices reflect the local cuisine of each country. In
Lebanon, for example, the typical filling would include lamb, onion, tomato,
pinenuts, raisins, parsley, dill, mint, black pepper, and
allspice. A popular Turkish vegetarian variety uses only onion, carrot, green peas, and salt. Artichokes are often prepared with white sauces or other kinds of sauces.
Herbal tea containing artichoke tea from Vietnam Artichokes can also be made into a
herbal tea. The infusion is consumed particularly among the
Vietnamese. An artichoke-based herbal tea called
Ceai de Anghinare is made in Romania. The flower portion is put into water and consumed as a herbal tea in Mexico. It has a slightly bitter, woody taste.
Apéritif Artichoke is the primary botanical ingredient of the Italian aperitif
Cynar, with 16.5% alcohol by volume, produced by the
Campari Group. It can be served over ice as an
aperitif or as a cocktail mixed with orange juice, which is especially popular in Switzerland. It is also used to make a 'Cin Cyn', a slightly less-bitter version of the
Negroni cocktail, by substituting Cynar for
Campari. ==Genome ==