Dorothy FarrarArtichokes
The artichoke , a precious vegetable native to the Mediterranean region , can be used in many ways and was already known for its healing properties in the Middle Ages. The ingredients of the thistle-shaped plant are particularly effective in irritable bowel syndrome and liver diseases .
Here’s what you should know about artichokes
The thistle-shaped noble vegetable artichoke belongs to the daisy family of plants and can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. The plant is originally native to the Mediterranean region. Today’s cultivation areas are, for example, Spain, Italy or France. The plant can generally be cultivated in sheltered, warm and sunny areas.
The artichoke was already known for its healing properties in the Middle Ages. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the plant was used for kidney and liver diseases. The coverings of the flower heads, the plant sap, the root and fresh or dried leaves come into consideration for use. The core of the vegetables are the so-called artichoke hearts.
With their pleasantly bitter taste, artichokes are now an integral part of Italian cuisine and are also very popular in most other countries. The artichoke is available all year round. However, the peak season is between June and November. In our latitudes, imports from Italy and Spain can be obtained from October to July. From April to December, the plants come from French growing areas.
importance to health
Artichokes have a high health value. Irritable bowel syndrome is a particular area of indication, as the vegetables can help with the symptoms that occur thanks to their digestive effect. Furthermore, an unpleasant feeling of fullness after large meals is reduced by the supply of artichokes and their extract.
It has been proven that artichokes have a cholesterol-lowering effect and are therefore suitable for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and the resulting cardiovascular diseases. The bitter substance cynarin is particularly valuable. This stimulates the liver and bile metabolism . By increasing the secretion of gastric juice , the artichoke thus contributes to better fat digestion.
The ingredients in the artichoke can help regenerate the liver if the organ has been weakened by heavy medication or high alcohol consumption. Since the vegetable has a blood sugar-lowering effect, it can also be consumed safely by diabetics and even prevent unwanted blood sugar spikes from occurring.
Ingredients & nutritional values
An artichoke is very low in calories at 20 kilocalories. It contains an average of 2.4 grams of protein, 0.12 grams of fat, 2.05 grams of carbohydrates and 11.2 grams of fiber. The noble vegetable is extremely rich in vitamin C and vitamins from the B group. It is also an important source of the trace elements potassium , magnesium , iron and phosphorus .
intolerances
Intolerance can be understood as a hypersensitivity of the human body to certain foods. Like the fruit itself, the artichoke allergen belongs to the daisy family. This plant genus also includes salad vegetables, medicinal teas such as arnica , chamomile and dandelion , as well as the vegetables chicory, Jerusalem artichoke and salsify .
If you suspect an intolerance to the plants mentioned, you should consistently avoid them. Furthermore, the consumption of artichokes should be avoided if the bile ducts are blocked.
Shopping and kitchen tip
When purchasing artichokes, you should make sure that the artichokes are green and free from wilting and mould. It is also advisable to choose vegetables with a heavy head. The artichoke can typically be used as a cooked vegetable. Valuable juices, teas and tinctures can also be made from the leaves of the food.
Artichokes can be cooked in a steamer or in boiling water for about 30 minutes. The outer leaves of the plant are very bitter. However, the lower parts can be consumed. The core of the vegetable is the so-called artichoke heart. This part has a nutty taste and can be eaten in its entirety. The edges of the plant can be sprinkled with the juice of a lemon to prevent browning.
Wrapped in foil, the artichoke will keep in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for about four to six days. The stems and leaves of the artichoke do not need to be discarded. It is a good idea to use it to boil a broth for risotto or gravy. Gloves should be worn when handling artichokes as the vegetable can turn your hands brown.
preparation tips
The so-called mini artichokes are easiest to process in spring. The plant is harvested at a time when no stamens are attached to the base of the flower. These do not have to be removed before consumption and the artichoke can even be eaten raw.
The leaves of the artichoke can be used as a tea infusion. The precious vegetables are also suitable cold or warm with a dip as a starter. The vegetable is used particularly in Italian cuisine, as it goes well with various pasta dishes and as an accompaniment to pizzas.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.