Some housewives, having come to the store and saw plants similar to a burdock with the name artichoke on the window, are perplexed about what can be prepared from it. They immediately have a question: artichokes - what kind of eccentric plant is this, and what can be prepared from it? Let’s learn more about him.
An artichoke is a perennial plant in the aster family. He is not afraid of heat, because he prefers a warm, arid climate. This is a large plant, reaching 2 meters in height, with cirrus dissected leaves. Above are inflorescences - baskets with large and very juicy leaves. In appearance, such baskets are very similar to cones. Young leaflets and unopened artichoke buds are considered a great delicacy among lovers of diet food. But if you let them ripen, then petals will appear from them, and the plant will become unfit for food.
Homeland
The homeland of the artichoke is the Mediterranean. Today this plant is in great demand all over the world. Some experts believe that it began to be bred in Italy. There is also evidence that residents of France, Belgium, Spain, and America have been building this vegetable crop since ancient times. But, probably, this is not a complete list of those countries where this product is loved and appreciated. Not everyone treats this plant positively: in Australia and South America they say about artichokes that this is a malicious weed, and therefore they are simply ignored or destroyed there.
Beneficial features
I want to emphasize, speaking about artichokes, that this is a very low-calorie product. Its dietary attractiveness consists precisely in low calorie content, which is 30 kcal. per 100 g. The protein in this product is only 4 g, and carbohydrates - 70 g. The artichoke also contains: iron, B vitamins , potassium, sodium. Also, the artichoke has a hypotensive effect, is valued as a choleretic, anti-inflammatory drug, helps people suffering from atherosclerosis. Based on it, make tablets "Tsinarin."
How to cook an artichoke
To dishes from the artichoke were tasty and healthy, you need to remove the baskets while they are dense, and the leaves are green and gently crunch on the teeth. If you notice a pink fluff between the leaves, and they themselves have a brown color, then know that you can not buy such artichokes, that it will be a waste of money.
Better buy medium-sized baskets. To prevent them from darkening during storage, they must be placed in water diluted with vinegar or citric acid. Before preparing a dish from artichoke, you must first break off the outer coarsened leaves and scrape off the villi that remain under the leaves. Scrape everything down to the tender core.
Artichoke Dishes
The artichoke is great for stuffing. For example, peeled cups can be stuffed with minced meat, shaped like a ball, then either dipped in batter or use a breading made from flour with an egg. Then you need to fry in a pan, and then pour the sauce and stew. It turns out a very tasty dish. This plant also produces wonderful nutritious salads. Now, I think, the question does not arise: "Artichokes - what is it?". You can go to the store and buy them for cooking some wonderful dishes.