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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: caroline7758 on August 14, 2006, 16:13:22

Title: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: caroline7758 on August 14, 2006, 16:13:22
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?
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: supersprout on August 14, 2006, 16:37:22
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.
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: cleo on August 14, 2006, 17:27:23
`off with their heads` ;D
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: grawrc on August 14, 2006, 17:28:41
Damned aristocrats! >:( >:( :P
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: caroline7758 on August 14, 2006, 19:16:43
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?
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: supersprout on August 14, 2006, 19:24:47
When they're small before they develop their chokes you can eat them whole

(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/supersprout/IMG_0013.jpg)

schluppety schlupp (http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/supersprout/smilies/drool.gif)
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: umshamrock on August 14, 2006, 20:13:29
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
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: supersprout on August 14, 2006, 21:01:52
Try this?

(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/supersprout/artichoke2.jpg)
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: natasha on August 14, 2006, 21:29:31
Oh Supersprout,
you are a genius, thank you very much for the picture.
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: grawrc on August 15, 2006, 06:14:12
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!
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: umshamrock on August 15, 2006, 07:58:28
thanks supersprout!
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: supersprout on August 15, 2006, 08:50:05
Quote from: grawrc on August 15, 2006, 06:14:12
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 ;)
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: grawrc on August 15, 2006, 16:33:05
Wish I had!! :'( :'( Mine are just leaves so far..
Title: Re: Globe artichokes- to cut or not to cut?
Post by: Squashfan on August 15, 2006, 16:50:03
I ate most of my artichokes but left one on to flower. So pretty!