Says it all really. I have one that is about the size of a tennis ball (or just a tad smaller) - is it ready to pick?
twinkletoes
Yes and no-there are recipes for smallish artichokes but I wouldn`t expect much flesh at the base of the leaves and the heart might not be very big. Try one and see?
Yes! And the small ones are much tastier than the huge ones you can buy in the shops. (Well, that's our opinion, anyway!)
When they're small, the choke hasn't developed, so you eat virtually the whole thing. Don't boil them; 'stove' them 'a la greque' - ie. put them in a small pan which is just big enough to contain them in a single layer; add a little olive oil, lemon juice & water, plus a grind of salt and whatever you fancy in the line of sprigs of herbs, cloves of garlic, etc. Jam the lid on tight and steam them until done. (Usually about 5-10 minutes, but they vary, so test; if in doubt, turn the heat off, but leave the lid on & let them carry on steaming for a bit.)
But it does seem very early - we had our first picking on May 8th last year, and there are no signs of any ready so far this year.
I agree with Trevor, I always waited until they were the size of a large grapefruit and mess about with a dip and sucking flesh off.
After I had them golf ball sized in France, including a inch of stalk and eating the whole lot, I was a convert and eat them small. They can be hot or cold in salad, or in a sauce and are delicious.
http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments1_homepage.html
Thanks for that Trevor-D it answers my queries from last year. I almost decided to rip the plants out but thought I would give them another year, I know realise it was more than likely my cooking skills called to test!
Thanks all. I am going to pick the biggest one and a few of the smaller ones (just a bit bigger than a golf ball) and try the cooking suggestions put forward. Particularly looking forward to steaming them with garlic. Have tried them in Brittany cooked whole picking off the leaves and dunking. Fiddly but very nice - so worth it. Wonder why mine are so early then? Out in open all over winter - not "fed" or pampered. Could be because I am in Kent and perhaps a bit milder than other places?
Twinkletoes
Yes if you like to eat them with the leaf dipping business (which I love) they must be bigger than that - you won't be able to hold them in your hand. But do pick them before the leaves start to fan out. I would say leave them another week or two.