Artichoke is one of those things that you either love or hate. Ask my sister Carrie, what she thinks about the humble artichoke and she’ll shudder and use words like ‘soapy’ and ‘disgusting!’
Mind you, so slight is Carrie’s experience with the fresh food aisle at the local store she would most likely think the pile of plump artichokes there were unripe, baby pineapples.
The only time she ever tried an artichoke was out of a jar or tin and with that in mind I would have to agre with her assessment of them being soapy. Tinned artichoke is just nasty.
Considering how many health benefits are packed into fresh artichoke, it is beyond me why anyone would subject themselves to the horror of preserved ‘chokes.
Health Benefits of the Artichoke
Like so many green and colorful veggies, artichokes are packed with antioxidants which the body uses to combat the damage caused by free radicals. It also has a significant effect on bile production in the liver making it a good friend in the fight against cholesterol and towards a healthy liver.
Artichokes are packed with nutrients especially vitamin c, folic acid and potasium and they are a great source of dietary fibre and niacin which some studies indicate may have a preventative effect on Alzheimers Disease.
Preparing Artichokes
There are many delecious recipes for dishes which include artichokes to be found on the internet but as with all super foods when making the effort to include it in your diet specifically for its health benefits then you are best to eat it in season, as close to freshly picked and as lightly cooked as possible.
Try them lightly steamed or roasted in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt for seasoning. (Even Carrie likes them like that.)
Thank you to Xedos4 for the lovely image of bright green artichokes.
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Hi thanks for this. I always hated artichokes. I never thought of them being ‘soapy’ but I know exactly what you mean. After reading this I went to the market and picked up fresh artichokes and roasted them as you suggested and… delicious. I’ve now added a new healthy item to my diet and I totally appreciate that.