Did you know that artichoke is a flower? It's true! The artichoke is the edible flower bud of a thistle plant. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what are artichokes, their nutrition and health benefits, what does it look like and what do artichokes taste like.
These are great as boiled, baked, or grilled, and are often popular as an ingredient in dishes like pasta sauces and salads. If you've never tried an artichoke before, now is the time! They're delicious and nutritious. Enjoy!
What Are Artichokes?
Artichokes are a type of vegetable that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The scientific name for artichoke is Cynara Scolymus. They are also popular as globe artichokes. Artichokes originally come from the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for over 2,500 years. And, most of the US supply of artichokes grows in California. Artichokes are typically harvested in the late spring or early summer when they are about 5 - 7 inches in diameter.
The part of the artichoke that we eat is actually the flower bud. However, if left to bloom, the artichoke flower would be purple in color and resemble a thistle. The edible part of the artichoke is the stem, leaves, and flower buds.
What does it look like?
The artichoke is a large, thistle-like plant that produces a vegetable that is edible as food. The artichoke has a tall, reddish stalk and large, green leaves. The edible part of the artichoke is a flower bud that is harvested before it opens. The flower bud is white or purple and has a hairy texture.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Artichoke
The artichoke is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But that's not all—this spiky vegetable also offers some impressive health benefits.
And if you're looking to improve your overall health, you'll be happy to know that artichokes rank high on the ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index) scale. This means they provide a good amount of nutrients relative to their calorie content.
A single artichoke contains about:
10 calories
2 grams of protein
0 grams of fat
5 grams of fiber
7 grams of carbohydrates
3 grams of sugar
2 milligrams of sodium
The nutrients in artichokes may help boost brain health. One compound, in particular, called cynarin, has been shown to increase levels of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in memory and learning.
Artichokes are a good source of antioxidants. These nutrients scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells, leading to inflammation. Artichokes are also thought to promote healthy digestion and help lower cholesterol levels.
Here are some of the health benefits of eating artichokes:
1. Artichokes are a good source of fiber. A single artichoke contains about 5 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for digestion and can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.
2. Artichokes are a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can lead to cancer and other diseases.
3. Artichokes are a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for immune health and can help protect the body from infection and illness.
4. Artichokes are a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for bone health and can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
5. Artichokes are a good source of magnesium. Magnesium is important for energy metabolism and can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Read more health benefits of artichokes.
Taste of Artichokes
If you've ever had the pleasure of eating an artichoke, you know that there's nothing quite like it. The unique flavor is unlike any other vegetable out there, and it's truly a treat for the senses.
Artichokes are a unique and delicious vegetable that you can enjoy in many different ways. Whether you enjoy them grilled, roasted, or raw, their flavor is unmistakable.
While some people find artichokes to be slightly bitter, others find them to be sweet and nutty. The artichoke has an earthy and slightly nutty flavor that is perfect for adding depth to dishes. The outer layers (petals) are hard while the center heart is soft. So the inner leaves and heart is the main center of flavor in an artichoke.
When selecting artichokes, look for ones that are firm and have tight leaves. Avoid the artichokes that are wilted or have brown spots since that won't be edible. To prepare, trim off the stem and remove the tough outer leaves.
Regardless of how you feel about their taste, there's no denying that they're a versatile and healthy food option. So if you're looking for a new vegetable to add to your repertoire, give artichokes a try!
Read Similar Articles
What does asparagus taste like?
What does an eggplant taste like?
All about Leeks - What do leeks taste like?
How to cook artichokes to taste the best?
- Cut off the top of the artichoke so that it can stand upright
- Trim away any brown leaves until you are left with mostly green ones
- Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil
- Add the artichokes and let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender
- Remove from the pot and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
There are other ways you can cook artichokes, eg. baked asparagus, air fryer asparagus, etc.
Conclusion on Taste of Artichokes
Artichokes are definitely an acquired taste. Some people love them, some people hate them. But if you’re curious about what they taste like and want to give them a try, we suggest starting with the smaller artichokes that aren’t as fibrous. And when you do eat one, remember to scrape off all of the edible bits with your teeth – that’s where most of the flavor is!
PIN IT!
Leave a Reply