Why is it worth growing artichokes?

The serious career of the globe artichoke** in herbal medicine began in 1850. It was then that, in France, artichoke preparations reportedly cured a boy of jaundice. So, what is the secret behind this vegetable’s power?

This series of articles focuses on leaves, so the answer lies precisely in the leaves. Not in the heart of the artichoke (the inner part beneath the leaves), and not in the stem, but in the leaves themselves. It is the leaf extract that is used medicinally.

Why is it worth growing artichokes?

Artichoke is found in many preparations designed to support liver function. It stimulates the liver to produce bile and increases blood flow through the organ, which may support liver regeneration after poisoning and improve digestion. It can also help regulate bowel movements.

Polish studies from the 1960s and 1970s clearly demonstrated that artichoke extract has anti-atherosclerotic properties. Artichoke can help lower levels of “bad” cholesterol!

Artichoke extract also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This means it may be used, for example, in natural cleaning and disinfecting products. Its antifungal properties are particularly strong. These properties may also make artichokes useful for people struggling with acne.

In addition, thanks to their high antioxidant content, artichokes help neutralize free radicals in the body, potentially helping to protect us against diseases such as cancer. Compounds found in artichokes can also help regulate blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels.

Phew! It is definitely worth taking a closer look at what artichokes have to offer, because there is a lot to discover — and they may have many beneficial effects on our bodies.

How to grow artichokes?

The great news is that the artichoke is a perennial plant. You can treat it like a flower and let it bloom — it looks beautiful when combined with other flowers — or treat it as a vegetable. In the latter case, unfortunately, you may sometimes have to wait **two years** for the artichoke head, because during the first year the plant focuses mainly on developing its root system.

In winter, cut the artichokes back almost to ground level and cover them with their own leaves.

How to eat artichokes?

There are many ways to prepare them. Most commonly, the **artichoke head** is eaten — it can be cooked or marinated. Artichokes are a fantastic addition to Italian cuisine.

The head should be harvested before the artichoke blooms. You can cook whole heads — they make a delicious appetizer, especially when served with a sauce.

The artichoke heart (the tender inner part beneath the leaves) is the tastiest and most delicate part. It can be stuffed or added to pasta and pizza. Artichokes taste great both hot and cold.

Before preparing artichokes, it is a good idea to sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.