Fartichokes

[Si D]

Couple of questions -

-do you peel them before use or eat the skins too?

-I seem to remember seeing a gardening program earlier this year that suggested there was a herb that you could cook them in that stopped the windy after effects.  Could anyone tell me what that herb is, and does it really work?  If not, is there anything else that counters the gaseous bonus that they provide?

cheers!

[Si D]

[plainleaf]

in USA we would use a product called Beano .
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beano-Enzyme-Dietary-Supplement-Tablets/dp/B000WXMTNG/ref=sr_1_1?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1287392134&sr=1-1

[Obelixx]

No idea what the herb is but if you generally eat plenty of fibre and roughage the effect is less extreme as your gut i sused to it.   

I don't peel them as they're usually too knobbly but I I give them a good scrub and then parboil them and cool them a little.  After that they're easier to peel if I want to - better colour soup that way - and easy to slice for a fartichoke gratin.    This year I'll also be cooking them unpeeled, roasted in chunks with garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil.

[caroline7758]

No JAs for me this year  :'( as they were on the half of my plot that I gave up and the new people have dug them up (apart from a few volunteers). Might have to make space for a few next year.

I think there is something called asofoetida that's supposed to work, but I've never bothered and wouldn't know where to get it!

[Obelixx]

It's used in curries so an Indian foodstore or supermarket would have it and maybe some of the bigger Tescos and Sainsburys.

[Si D]

thanks, I'll have a look for it.  Once I feel safe to leave the house  :o

edit: ah, had a search for it on google, first site that I found said this of it:

In fact, asafoetida's strong, garlicky, dung-like smell is quite off-putting (the Germans call it Teufelsdreck – devil's dung!), but if you can overcome the stink,....

Nice!

[Chrispy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-nKo-RdSTk  ;)

http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/winter-savory-seeds-perennial-pid3647.html

[goodlife]

If my memory serves me right..dill/fennel seeds have some 'wind easing' effect after/during eating JA's..haven't tried myself t though..I've been thought "to let the wind blow free..in the church or chappel...let the 'bugger' rattle" ;D ;)
And as having outdoor job, winter gales is not big deal ;D

[Vinlander]

thanks, I'll have a look for it.  Once I feel safe to leave the house  :o

edit: ah, had a search for it on google, first site that I found said this of it:

In fact, asafoetida's strong, garlicky, dung-like smell is quite off-putting (the Germans call it Teufelsdreck – devil's dung!), but if you can overcome the stink,....

Nice!

Actually it cooks to a wonderful "bass note" in food - in much the same way that well-cooked garlic does - loses its pungent properties and provides real depth - though it is still a 'curry' taste.

It is very strong so start small.

What I don't know is whether a small amount will have any effect on flatus...

Another de-winder is a mexican 'cure' called Epazote - a kind of fat-hen/spinach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysphania_ambrosioides).

But  a) it works for beans - who knows if it works for artichokes? Worth a try.

        b) It is also an odd taste - a hint of diesel -  though not strong and probably hidden by any other strong tastes.

[Obelixx]

Caraway seed is used in east European and persina cuisine to ease flatulence from cabbage.

Asafoetida is used in tiny pinches, not by the spoonful.

[Si D]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-nKo-RdSTk  ;)

http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/winter-savory-seeds-perennial-pid3647.html

thanks - that was the program, but there are so many gardening ones on these days that I couldn't remember which it was!