Globe Artichokes
R & J Mazza Pty Ltd
Other Blogs ...
Wild at Heart
In summer the wild artichoke bursts into
bloom blanketing fields and meadows
with clusters of fern-like thistle plants.
Bud or Bloom?
Do we prefer to enjoy the globe
artichoke’s delicious flavour or
let the bud go to flower to show
off its amazing bloom?
How to Eat Artichokes
Eating globe artichokes is a
hands on affair, so when eating
them just enjoy them and
forget the rules of etiquette!
Artichoke History
The first artichokes had very
thorny exteriors, yet someone
dared to discover this
interesting-looking vegetable.
More Blogs...
The Art in Eating Artichokes
The Cook and the Curator - Eat Your History.
Globe artichokes has been popular in the
Mediterranean region since antiquity.
Bud or Bloom?
Most people eat the artichoke buds while
other allow the plant to flaunt its spectacular
blooms.
Globe Artichoke History
The globe artichoke is one of the oldest known
vegetable in ancient history which was
considered to be quite exotic.
How to Eat Globe Artichokes
Eating globe artichokes is a hands on affair, so
when eating them just enjoy them and forget
the rules of etiquette!
Globe Artichokes - Healthy Habits
Vegetables are an essential part of healthy eating as they are needed for wellbeing, body repairs and maintenance. A diet
rich in vegetables provides many health benefits; they may reduce heart disease, prevent cancer are also likely to have a
reduced risk of chronic diseases. Vegetables are low in calories while containing excellent amounts of vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants. Although it is ideal to eat at least five serves of vegetables each day; the key is to select different colours and
varieties which will provide a range of different nutrients to the body and will help to maintain not only a healthy but
interesting diet.
8th July, 2016
If you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, globe artichokes should definitely be on your shopping list. It is important to eat foods with a natural fibre, as
found in globe artichokes, as this is easily digested and helps to maintain a healthy digestive system which may aide in preventing colon cancer. Dietary fibre
is a type of carbohydrate but contributes less energy than sugars or starches because it cannot be fully absorbed by the body. While all plants contain some
dietary fibre, globe artichokes have high fibre concentration.
Parsley, lemon and garlic are some of the
oldest and healthiest foods known. All three
items are the perfect accompaniment to
most globe artichoke dishes, and the good
news is that when eaten together they
become a combination of powerful
superfoods ideal for energy and health.
Although parsley contains more Vitamin C
than most citrus fruits; lemons, garlic and
artichokes are also particularly high in
Vitamin C which is known for its anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C boosts the immune system and is
a preventative against infections and colds.
For centuries parsley, lemon and globe
artichokes have been considered as some of
the most effective remedies for indigestion.
The globe artichoke contains generous quantities of phytonutrients.
One of the major classes of phytonutrients is antioxidants which are
protective, disease preventing compounds. Antioxidants are vital in
the prevention of cellular damage and are essential for our body to
defend against and neutralise free radicals, which are the common
cause of genetic damage leading to cancer, ageing and a range of
diseases.
Research shows that the globe artichoke also:
•
has important quality for healthy liver
function
•
is a healthy source of protein and foliate
•
contains a high source of iron, niacin and
phosphorus
•
has a very high source of magnesium and
potassium
•
is low in saturated fats
•
can act as a diuretic
•
is low in sodium
•
contain an excellent source of folic acid
•
has the ability to fight high cholesterol levels
As globe artichokes are a healthy source of
protein, they are ideal for vegetarians who do not
want animal protein in their diet.
The Egyptians described the artichoke as ‘food for the rich’ and used it to treat health problems associated with a ‘rich’ lifestyle. They would eat artichokes as a
hangover treatment after consuming excessive amounts of rich foods and wine which could lead to liver disease or gout. They ate the artichokes to help poor liver
function and to help boost the liver’s ability to regenerate its cells.
Because of the amazing health properties, artichokes should be added to your weekly meal plan. They are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and cancer-
fighting antioxidants. With only 60 calories, no fat, and a good amount of dietary fibre, these globes are ideal for health and wellbeing. Globe artichokes are a great
addition to your healthy diet, whether trying to manage your weight or limit your fat and sugar intake.
This publication is solely for informational purposes and not intended for medical advice. This information does not represent the practice of medicine and does not replace
the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Please seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider before undertaking any course of treatment.
The Italians and Greeks also reserved this vegetable for their wealthy society as it was not readily available. They used as a digestive aide, for its aphrodisiac
properties, as a diuretic and to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. Again, in Europe it was also used after excessive eating and drinking to
aide poor liver function.
Most illnesses can be traced to one of four factors; genetic,
environmental, lack of exercise or poor nutritional habits. People
ignore the fact that one of the most contributing factors to ill
health is the food we consume. Although it is a known fact that
vitamin deficiencies and poor dietary habits can lead to a range
of problems triggering many illnesses or cancers, the focus is on
vitamin supplements rather than educating the public on the
benefits of healthy eating. We have a remarkable medical
industry that is constantly discovering new cures for illnesses,
but it is also important to promote organic eating as prevention
rather than focusing on the cure. Healthy habits should be
taught in schools to educate our children and young adults about
the maintenance of good health.
Unfortunately, busy lifestyles prevent modern society from taking the time to learn the value
in fresh vegetables or the importance of home cooking and the necessity to use raw foods
rather than refined foods containing preservatives and additives. As a result of our hectic
lifestyles our society will shop for vitamin supplements at supermarkets or pharmacies
spending millions of dollars yearly in this industry in search of wellness and health. Many
families use vitamin supplements to compensate what good fresh, organic food can offer in a
better natural state, which is healthier and better absorbed by our bodies.
Although globe artichokes may be time consuming to prepare, they are a powerhouse of nutrients making them
well worth the effort. They are packed with vitamins and goodness making them a superfood. The exciting news
is that a couple of decades ago globe artichokes were only available in the winter months, but new varieties
make it possible to eat them almost all year around except in the very hot summer months. Preserving them
makes it possible to consume them in the months when they are not available. Link to recipe is below.
How to Prepare Artichokes
The globe artichoke is delicious
and well worth any effort. Easy to
prepare once you know how!
How to Prepare Globe Artichokes
The artichoke is definitely worth any
preparation! They are not as intimidating to
cook once you know how.
Although we are unsure as to where the globe artichokes first originated, we know that for many centuries they were consumed in European, Arabic and other
countries possibly as early as 500BC. The first and oldest references to artichokes were discovered in the drawings in Egyptian tombs. They were also carved in
very ancient building pillars and columns built by both the Romans and Greeks. Roman literature mentions this exotic vegetable as far back as 77AD. Wherever
it originated, the facts are that this King of Vegetables was not just a culinary but also used medically.
While we know that this King of Vegetables was used medically far
back in history, unfortunately modern society is still quite unfamiliar
with not only its health properties but also its delicious flavour. Many
families have still not tried this amazing vegetable nor do they know
how to prepare and cook it. However, there are now many delicious
recipes available if you are willing to try this exceptional vegetable.
