artichoke

What exactly are artichokes?

The globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L. or Cynara cardunculus L.) is a thistle-like cultivated plant in the daisy family. The plant can reach a height of 1.5 meters and has a strong, branched stem. The globe artichoke blooms in July and is native to the Mediterranean region. Today, it is cultivated exclusively wherever the climate permits. The flower heads are harvested when they are still closed and the outer leaves are slightly protruding. It is primarily the leaves that grow further down the stem that are medicinally effective, not the bracts of the flower heads, which are used as food.

Where does the artichoke come from?

Artichokes were unknown in our latitudes for a long time. Many Germans first became acquainted with this highly prized vegetable while vacationing in the Mediterranean. Since ancient times, the artichoke, whose Latin name is Cynara scolymus L., has been considered a medicinal plant. It was cultivated by the Egyptians as early as 500 BC. It was considered a delicacy by wealthy Romans, and the Arabs also adopted it into their diets. In the 15th century, this healthy and tasty vegetable first appeared in France and England.

Their main growing areas are Italy, France, Spain, Romania, Algeria, Morocco, and the USA (Florida). Different varieties are distinguished by their color – from light green and green to violet-green and even purple. The large, green artichokes that are particularly popular in Germany mainly come from Brittany (France), for example the Camus de Bretagne variety. But there are also smaller, purple varieties such as Violetti di Toscana or Petit Violet. Other well-known artichoke varieties include Green Globe, Purple Romagna, Orlando, Castel, Violetto di Toscana, Große Grüne, Grüne von Laon, and Imperial Star.

Incidentally, this thistle-like cultivated plant was chosen as Medicinal Plant of the Year in 2003. Since 1999, the "Development History of Medicinal Plants" study group at the Institute for the History of Medicine at the University of Würzburg has named a Medicinal Plant of the Year each year. The selection of the Medicinal Plant of the Year is intended to emphasize the importance of plants in medicine and their pharmaceutical use.

Can you grow artichokes in Germany?

Artichoke cultivation has now also found its way into Germany. Artichokes are cultivated in German fields in areas with mild climates, such as Rheinhessen and the Southern Palatinate. Gardeners should plan for a sheltered, sunny spot if they want to grow artichokes. This green delicacy generally enjoys dry summers and mild winters. They are only partially hardy. To protect them from the winter, leaves and flower heads should be removed. Ensure the plants are covered with a layer of leaves and sand and brushwood.

What is harvested from the artichoke?

The flowers or buds of the artichoke are harvested, which is why they are also called flower vegetables.

How do you eat artichokes?

Preparing artichokes is quite time-consuming, but it is worth the effort in two ways: firstly because of the excellent taste and secondly because of the health benefits.

To ensure you don't accidentally buy bitter-tasting artichokes, make sure the buds are closed, the leaf tips aren't dry, and the bracts are tightly pressed against the bud. You can also tell if the artichokes are fresh by the green leaves and the heavy heads. Never put an artichoke in your shopping basket that appears dried out, brown, or black. Also, make sure the stems aren't showing any dark discoloration.

Once you get home, ideally place each artichoke individually in a glass of water. Cut off the stem, but don't cut it off! Alternatively, you can wrap the artichoke in a damp cloth and store it in the refrigerator for about one to two days.

If you're ready to prepare the artichoke, first wash it under running water. Then break off the stem by hand and remove the tough outer leaves. If you're worried about pricking yourself on the prickly leaf tips, you can snip them off with kitchen scissors—but this isn't absolutely necessary.

Then, cut off the base or stem of the artichoke with a knife. To prevent the cut surface from turning brown, sprinkle it with lemon juice.

Now add the vegetables to the pot: Cover the artichoke and cook in plenty of salted water with a dash of lemon juice for about 35 minutes, depending on its size. If you're not sure whether the vegetables are cooked, pluck off a leaf: If it comes off easily, the artichoke is cooked! Drain this "food of the rich," as it was once called, thoroughly.

Can you eat artichokes cold?

Artichokes can be served hot or cold. Serve with delicious sauces like hollandaise sauce, vinaigrette, or creamy herb cheese stirred with milk for dipping. The best way to serve them is to pluck the leaves from the outside in with your fingers, dipping them in the water, then eating the soft part and discarding the hard part. This way, you can enjoy working your way to the heart of the artichoke—and then enjoy it as the crowning glory.

The nutritional value of artichokes

100 grams of the edible part of the artichoke contains only 43 kilocalories, which corresponds to 181 kilojoules. It also contains 2.4 grams of protein, 2.6 grams of carbohydrates, 196 milligrams of potassium, 56 milligrams of calcium, 17 milligrams of magnesium, and 1.3 milligrams of iron. The artichoke is also suitable for diabetics. Studies have observed a blood sugar-lowering effect. Other good facts about the artichoke: It is a low-histamine vegetable and therefore suitable for people with histamine intolerance.

What to do if you don't like artichokes?

Those who don't like artichokes or eat them too rarely due to the time-consuming preparation don't have to miss out on the positive properties of this natural digestive aid. The digestive-promoting effect can also be achieved with artichoke supplements. These contain an artichoke leaf extract obtained from the basal rosette of leaves – the part of the plant that is not usually eaten. The medicinal effects of this part of the plant were not studied in detail until the 20th century. If you want to support your liver, you should include artichokes in your diet when they are in season.

Liver tips: How can you detoxify the liver?

• Eat healthily: Your liver benefits from a balanced diet. Your diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and eat fewer sugary foods.
• Drink enough: Drink enough water to hydrate your body and help your liver eliminate toxins.
• Exercise, move regularly: Exercise boosts liver function. Daily exercise and physical activity is the right step.
• Check your medication intake: Many medications put a strain on the liver. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.
• Less alcohol: Alcohol is toxic to the liver. The liver has to break down the alcohol and has to work extra hard to do so. Drink less alcohol or avoid it altogether.
• Avoid harmful substances: Toxic chemicals, pollutants, and environmental toxins put a strain on the liver. Gloves and masks help if you are exposed to potentially harmful substances.
• Herbal support: Vegetables and fruits, with their bitter plant compounds, are liver-friendly. Natural botanicals such as artichoke leaf extract can stimulate digestion, support liver health, and promote its detoxification function. Artichoke from Medicom is a purely natural product that supports liver health. Important: If you have pre-existing liver disease or severe symptoms, you should consult a physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.