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Globe artichokes come generally in 3 sizes, the size depending mainly on the location on the plant. The largest are generally located at the top, the smaller artichokes instead are picked up from the lower branches. American consumers seem to look at size as a sign of quality. Unfortunately, in the case of artichokes, this is not correct. In fact, when too big, artichokes develop in their core those tough, inedible “chokes.” If chokes are present, they need to be scooped away, and all the leaves may fall apart while cooking. In Europe, only small artichokes are harvested. Those that eventually have “chokes” don’t make it to the market because they are considered of inferior quality, in spite of their size.

The largest artichokes are used for boiling or stuffing, while the smaller ones instead can be a prize because they are normally very tender and with little or no chokes. Look for the small, “baby” artichokes: They shouldn’t have chokes and should be fully edible. Artichoke plants take up a lot of land: The plant in full growth covers an area bout 6 feet in diameter. This and the fact that artichokes are picked-up by hand make them very expensive.

Italy, where Artichokes are grown in practically everyone of the 20 regions, is responsible for almost 2/3 of the world production, followed by France, Spain and the USA. Artichokes were introduced in California by Italian farmers in the early 1900s. Today California produces most of the artichokes grown in the United States. Although California artichokes are available all year round the season peaks in March, April and May.

Some tips about artichokes:
* Fresh artichokes are solid when squeezed and have compact leaves.
* Don’t use aluminum or iron pans or tool because they confer an unappealing color to the artichokes; use stainless steel instead.
* Artichokes contain a substance called Cynarin with taste modifying properties. Most food will taste different, sweeter and more desirable, but after eating artichokes it will be impossible to taste wine properly.
* The stems of the artichokes are also edible. If those you buy have long stems, just peel them, cut them into pieces, and cook them together with the rest of the artichokes.

Carciofi alla Giudia (Artichokes Jewish style), with Roman “Fritto Misto” (fried zucchini flower and fried salt cod), as presented in the restaurant “Da Giggetto” in the Jewish quarter downtown Rome. The artichokes are fried until tender, then pressed to open them up and fried again until the outer leaves are brown and crispy.

Whole and Cleaned Artichokes, on a stand of Campo de’ Fiori farmers market, in downtown Rome.

Rome is famous for the quality of the artichokes produced in its countryside. Roman artichokes are large and tender, and one variety in particular, called “cimaroli” (literally “those that grow on the top”) is the best one: Large, globe-like, full of pulp, and with tender leaves. In Rome artichokes are deep-fried, boiled, used for Frittata (Italian open omelet), for pasta sauce, for risotto, and in a large variety of preparations.

Two famous Roman recipes such as Carciofi alla Romana (artichokes Roman style) and Carciofi alla Giudia (Artichokes Jewish style), require the artichokes to be cooked whole.

Artichokes Roman Style are slowly cooked in a pan with olive oil until they become tender and soft.  
See recipe on my page.

Artichokes “Jewish Style” are instead twice deep fried until the outer leaves become brown and crispy. To taste the best artichokes you have to go to the old Jewish quarter downtown in Rome.

A few very old restaurants will serve you the best of traditional Roman cooking such as: Fritto Misto (a mix of deep fried vegetables), Puntarelle (the crunchy tips of Calalogna dandelion dressed with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and anchovies), Saltimbocca (veal scaloppini topped with prosciutto and sage), and many more.

Cleaning Artichokes, is a lifetime profession for this gentleman in the entrance of the restaurant “Da Giggetto” operating in the Jewish quarter of Rome for several decades.

Artichokes Flowers  If allowed to grow artichoke buds develop into magnificent purple flowers. They will keep for months if dried.

Artichokes (Cynara Scolymus) are originally from the Mediterranean area, and the wild ones were already known to the ancient Romans (i.e. Carduos, their word for thistle). They are the flower bud of a thistle-like plant. The edible part is the bud bottom: The artichoke is nipped in the bud before it can flower so it can be utilized as food, but the flower, if the plant is allowed to flower, is a large blossom about 6 - 7 inch (15 – 18 cm) wide of a deep blue-violet color.

CARCIOFI
ALLA ROMANA
Artichokes Roman Style

Spuma di Carciofi
Artichokes Mousse

Carciofi al Tegame
Pan Sautéed Artichokes

HOW TO CLEAN ARTICHOKES