Artichokes
Superfood Spotlight: Artichokes Although artichokes have been around since ancient Greek and Roman times, they aren’t necessarily a staple in many households. However, given their versatility, powerful nutritional profile and mild, delicious taste, it’s time for them to take a place on the table! Artichokes are actually the bud of a plant from the thistle family. Inside the bud is the pale green heart, topped by the “choke,” a fuzzy section that is not eaten. Covering these are deep green petals, which protect the heart while the artichoke grows. When raw, the petals have tiny thorns at the top — these can be trimmed, if desired, but soften during cooking. Baby artichokes, which are not a different variety but simply a smaller version of a regular artichoke, are grown on the lower part of the plant. They don’t grow the choke portion, so they are fully edible. Artichokes are low in calories and have almost no fat. They have one of the highest total anti...