My earliest memory of artichokes would have to be when I was about 3 or 4 and my parents were having a dinner party. I wandered into the dining room and my dad gave me a taste from his plate. It was an artichoke leaf dipped in mayonnaise, which is still my favorite artichoke dip. Yum. I was instantly hooked. These days Iadd a little horseradish, just a bit, to my mayonnaise, for some added zip.

I found a few quick facts from the California Artichoke Advisory Board:
*Almost all the artichokes grown in the US are grown in California, with 75% …read more

In  study sponsored by Lichtwer Pharma, a German manufacturer of herbal supplements, UK researchers found that a preparation of artichoke leaf extract helped decrease cholesterol levels in healthy adults with raised cholesterol levels.
Plasma total cholesterol levels dropped on average 4.2 per cent and increased by 1.9 per cent among the control group, making a 6.1 per cent differential.
These results were observed in test subjects who were given four 320mg Lichtwer Pharma-branded (Cynara) supplements per day for 12 weeks. Seems to be a lot, for so little an effect, but hey, every little bit counts, and who knows what the effects may …read more

I discovered the joy of eating artichokes just a few years ago. I like it best simply boiled whole, and each shell peeled off and dipped in garlicky creme fraiche. Yeah, I know, not exactly the healthiest dip, but as I ony seldom have it, I allow myself such rare indulgences.
Did you know that artichokes are nutrient dense?
Artichokes are an excellent source of dietary magnesium, fiber, and the trace mineral chromium. They are also a very good source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, potassium, the trace mineral manganese, and a carbohydrate that …read more

Here’s a quick, healthy and easy tip from Yahoo Food to prepare antioxidant packed salads: toss in artichokes, radishes, broccoli, red chicory, or leeks, season with herbs such as sage, rosemary and thyme, a dollop of olive oil, perhaps some other spices… and voila! You’ve got yourself a fresh salad that’s packed with lots of antioxidants.
Check out the recipe for Cool Beans Artichoke Salad, as well as other ways to serve artichokes. There’s more to artichokes than just served with dips!