Author Topic: Artichokes. (Read 4204 times)

Plot69 · « **on:** June 01, 2008, 20:26:22 »

Last year I was given a packet of green globe artichoke seeds.

Was beginning to wonder if the space and effort needed to grow a few giant thistles was worth it.

Jeez, you bet it is! Followed some web site as to how to cook them, didn't have any vinaigrette so I had them with salad cream.

They was bloody gorgeous!

PurpleHeather · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2008, 20:45:52 »

Love them myself but agree that they take up a lot of room.

Had them in a restaurant in Mallorca served as a cup and the cup was filled with fresh wilted spinach. Out of this world.

No matter what they say, you can not beat fresh

saddad · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2008, 23:57:18 »

I only grow the other Artichokes!! :-[

carolinej · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2008, 07:24:21 »

I agree. Beautiful plants ;D

Mine arent as big as the ones you see in the shops. Will they get that big or should I pick them smaller before they open?

Mine are Green Globe Improved.

Thanks.

cj :)

paulinems · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2008, 08:50:14 »

they are weeds they grow all over the place

markfield rover · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2008, 09:17:17 »

Cj, ours do not get as big as shop ones not in our climate but we eat them before they open.

sawfish · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2008, 09:39:27 »

I have two and one cardoon, they look brilliant anyway. When should I expect them to get to the edible stage?

antipodes · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2008, 10:25:44 »

I have already eaten this year's artichokes ;)
Gorgeous
You will know when to harvest when they start to open up (Otherwise they are a tight ball shape). No matter what the size, once they start to widen at the top, they are at maturity. Don't forget they get bigger year after year!!!

Kea · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2008, 18:02:45 »

I seem to have more this year...trouble is there is only one again nearly ready and 4 to fight over it.

Speaking of the other artichokes....so called weeds I didn't replant mine as they're a sort of hedge and last year they came back up as you would expect this year there is no sign of them except a stray where i had dug them up and not replanted.

Plot69 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 02, 2008, 18:12:33 »

I've been given a few of the Jerusalem type. I've never had them before either. I've planted them and now I'm looking forward to trying them. How long do they take?

I've tried many new veg since I got my plots, some I never knew existed. Great fun.

carolinej · « **Reply #10 on:** June 02, 2008, 18:15:57 »

Mine look like they are opening at the bottom, but the top is still firmly closed. Do you think they are ready?

cj :)

Mrs Ava · « **Reply #11 on:** June 02, 2008, 18:48:53 »

I would say they are ready carolinej. I have a lovely row and have more artichokes this year than ever before and I pick them when they are very small and you can eat almost all of it, or I let them get huge and peel the leaves off one at a time dipping them in peppery butter - I don't like vinegar so can't do the dressing thing. Leave some to flower as the bees love them and they get almost drunk inside the huge fluffy flowers.

carolinej · « **Reply #12 on:** June 02, 2008, 20:12:58 »

Any chance of a brief description of how you prepare and eat them ::)

Last year, I had a few tiny ones, but didnt know exactly how much of them was edible.

Thanks

cj :)

Plot69 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 02, 2008, 20:18:59 »

Quote from: carolinej on June 02, 2008, 20:12:58

Any chance of a brief description of how you prepare and eat them ::)

I followed this...

http://www.cookeryonline.com/Artichokes/index.htm

Suzanne · « **Reply #14 on:** June 02, 2008, 20:25:57 »

From Biscombe spanish seed swap last year I had four artichoke seeds - all of which germinated and planted out.

I know if will be next year before I get any artichokes - but I really like the achar-grilled marinated baby artichoke hearts you get in Italy. I have a recipe and I am waiting............hopefully not too long ;D

carolinej · « **Reply #15 on:** June 02, 2008, 20:26:03 »

Thanks, that's really helpful. If only it wasnt pouring down, I'd go and pick some now.

Ah well, will try tomorrow.

cj :)

carolinej · « **Reply #16 on:** June 02, 2008, 20:27:11 »

Suzanne,

what is achar grilled ???

cj :)

Suzanne · « **Reply #17 on:** June 02, 2008, 20:34:06 »

It's char-grilled when you haven't accidently hit the a as well!!

I was taught to type - about 30 years ago when I was still at school but have developed random little fingers that seem to add letters when I I don't want them too. Also always too impatient to spell check. :-[

ninnyscrops · « **Reply #18 on:** June 02, 2008, 20:44:24 »

This time of year I pick mine between golf/tennis ball size then you can eat most of the bud as there's no choke (just slice off the tough bit of leaf at the top). I leave them to get bigger later on then you get the big base which IMHO is the best bit :P :P :P

Suzanne · « **Reply #19 on:** June 02, 2008, 21:12:24 »

see 2 I's

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Author Topic: Artichokes. (Read 4204 times)