Artichoke

The artichoke is a plant, the artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), grown for food. It is related to the thistle rosette although its leaves is less divided and has no espinas.Es a very popular in the Mediterranean diet and in the Iberian Peninsula have Denomination of Origin, Tudela artichokes, the Blanca de Navarra and Benicarlo artichoke.


Uses of the artichoke
Its use in the kitchen is usually to prepare main dishes although widely used as a garnish or as an accompaniment to other vegetables in vegetable stews.

To cook the artichokes first have to remove the outer leaves and cut the stem if it is too long. If you are going to cook, it is advisable to split them in half and put them in boiling water immediately but quickly oxidize (unless Let Us Spray the leaves with a squeeze of lemon). And of course, boiling in the smallest possible amount of water to prevent loss of vitamins.

Also can be cooked directly on the oven, sautéed with ham, breaded, with or without sauce (vinegar, bechamel, etc.).

The best time to eat fresh artichokes is winter, but throughout the year we can find canned.

Benefits of Artichoke
Finally note that artichokes have beneficial health properties. They are very healthy, help fight cholesterol and are very diuretic. They are also recommended for those suffering from diabetes and other ailments of the liver.

Provide minerals (potassium for proper cell function, calcium for bones and teeth and magnesium for nerve and muscle function) and vitamins B1, B2 and C.