These delectable vegetables deserve a day of celebration and praise! According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate and magnesium. They are also high in fiber, calcium and protein. For all these reasons and more, we celebrate every year on March 16th Artichoke Hearts Day!
There are many other health benefits to artichokes. They are also low in calories and fat and they also help improve digestive disorders, lower blood cholesterol level and prevent heart diseases. In fact, the artichoke was originally used as a medicinal plant a few centuries ago, back before we realized not only are they good for you, but they taste delicious!
You can eat an artichoke just by dipping each leaf in your favorite sauce, or you can incorporate them as a component in various recipes. Artichokes blend with other flavors such as cheese, tomato sauce, soup stocks and pastas. Artichokes also taste amazing when seasoned with salt, pepper, fresh garlic, herbs and parmesan cheese. They are such a versatile ingredient, you can eat them steamed, stuffed, pureed in soup, or as a topping on salads, pizza and sandwiches.
Here are a few recipes we found that we would like to share with our fellow artichoke lovers. As a bonus, we have included Amphora’s recipe for the infamous Spinach and Artichoke dip. Bon Appetit!
SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND FETA STUFFED ARTICHOKES
Photo Courtesy of Amphora Catering
Photo Courtesy of Amphora Catering
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