Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?

[caroline7758]

I have grown globe artichokes from seed for the first time this year and although I only got four plants, one is now producing fruit. I've read that you shouldn't cut the heads at all in the first year, or that you should "limit cutting" in the first year. What would you do?

[caroline7758]

[supersprout]

Personally I'd cut it off so the plant will put its youthful energy into making roots and leaves - if you're lucky you'll get a taste from it :) A tip when growing g.a. from seed - the results can be variable, so mark or tag the most productive ones, and take root cuttings from those from year 3 onwards.

[cleo]

`off with their heads` ;D

[grawrc]

Damned aristocrats! >:( >:( :P

[caroline7758]

OK, I'll do it! Can't wait to taste it- am I right that it's ready when the scales are just starting to open?

[supersprout]

When they're small before they develop their chokes you can eat them whole



schluppety schlupp

[umshamrock]

yeah just eat them

so..i know there is a special place for recipes...but can some one PLEASE tell me how to prepare an artichoke? i just can't figure out which part is the part you eat!

thanks,
shamrock

[supersprout]

Try this?

[natasha]

Oh Supersprout,
you are a genius, thank you very much for the picture.

[grawrc]

Hey Sprouty you can eat the leaves too! Cook the artichoke whole. When cold remove the choke. Then peel off the leaves, dip in e.g. vinaigrette and suck off the soft interior! Hey presto!

[umshamrock]

thanks supersprout!

[supersprout]

Hey Sprouty you can eat the leaves too! Cook the artichoke whole. When cold remove the choke. Then peel off the leaves, dip in e.g. vinaigrette and suck off the soft interior! Hey presto!

:-[ but that way is for Lovers (sigh) ::)
The illustrated method is for those with armfuls of ... artichokes ;)

[grawrc]

Wish I had!! :'( :'( Mine are just leaves so far..

[Squashfan]

I ate most of my artichokes but left one on to flower. So pretty!