Search:

Would you like to contribute to this site? Culinary Menu Submit an Article Submit a Tip Place your Ad Add URL Culinary Questions? Contact Us  Culinary Arts   Culinary Training   Culinary Institutes   Culinary Arts Schools   Cooking Schools   International Cooking Schools   Culinary Schools In California   Culinary Schools in Texas   Culinary Schools in Eastern US   Culinary Schools By Location   Culinary Information   Career as a Chef   Famous Chefs   Types of Chefs   Chefs Tools   Chefs Knives   Chefs Uniform   Gifts For Chefs   Chef TV Shows   Chef and Cooking Events   Cooking Websites and Clipart   International Cuisine A-G   International Cuisine H-N   International Cuisine O-V   Types of Foods   Gourmet Products   Cooking Supplies   Cooking Equipment   Magic Chef Appliances   Food Supplies   Food Gifts   Chef Recipes   Catering

Return To Culinary Article Archive   The Art of the Choke By Alison Anton Its no wonder Marilyn Monroe won the first official title of California Artichoke Queen in 1949. Apparently, artichokes are considered an aphrodisiac, and in the 16th century women were even banned from eating these indulgent delicacies due to their sexual inference. I guess an artichoke a day wont keep the men away! Artichokes are one of the oldest foods known to humans. Its Italian and Sicilian origins date back to 371-287 B.C., and were brought over to America by French immigrants when they settled in the Louisiana Territory in the early 1800s. Later that century, artichokes were established in the Monterrey Bay area by the Spaniards. Today, nearly one hundred percent of the countrys entire artichoke crop is cultivated in this mid-coastal region of California. The plant is an edible thistle - the part that we eat is actually the plants flower bud. If allowed to flower, the blossoms of the artichoke measure up to seven inches in diameter and are a spectacular violet-blue. Most people havent gotten a chance to see this beautiful showy blossom because the plant is cut for consumption rather than used for decoration. But its sure worth the show! You can purchase artichokes year round, but most organic farms will honor their peak season from March-May. Select globes that are deep green, with a tight leaf formation, and those that feel heavy for their size. Artichokes can be steamed, boiled, stuffed and baked, marinated, sauteed, roasted or fried. So, if we see all you ladies gathering around the artichoke stand this season, well know what youre up to... Sign up for Alisons Natural Cooking eLetter - Culinary inspiration, healthy recipes and more! Once a month FREE! RECIPES: Marinated Baby Artichokes Cream of Artichoke Soup About the Author: I am a Certified Nutritional Chef, food writer and culinary instructor through Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts in Northern California. I teach cooking and nutrition classes through the Whole Foods Market Salud Cooking School and write a monthly eLetter, also entitled Whole Gourmet Natural Cooking, to a wide audience. Banquet Catering

Get your Culinary questions answered... Subscribe to our Culinary Newsletter FREE! Your First Name: Your Email Address: Enter above security code

Home  |   Culinary Blog  |   Ask the Culinary Expert  |   Culinary Archive  |   Culinary RSS Feeds  |   Advertise  |   Sitemap