Artichokes are vegetables from the edible flower buds of Cynara scolymus.  It’s important to purchase fresh globes that are firm, round, and seem heavy, avoiding ones with dry leaves that are already opening/opened (old).

Fresh artichokes can be prepared by boiling them in 2 quarts of water for one hour, along with olive oil, salt, lemon juice, chopped garlic, thyme, rosemary, and tarragon to taste. Once they are cooked, residual strained liquid is separately retained as a perfect base for soup or for boiling pasta.  Artichokes can be served with EVOO and balsamic vinegar, melted butter.

Artichokes have a high antioxidant profile including polyphenols like cynarine and silymarin, and flavonoids like rutin, quercitin, apigenin and luteolin (Negro.  J Food Sci 2012).  A medium sized artichoke provides 70 calories and 7 grams of fiber, including the fiber inulin to help balance blood sugar.  This vegetable is a good source of folate, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin K.  Enjoy some artichokes today!