HEARTS OF GOLD

THOUGH PRIZED BY GOURMETS, THE GLOBE ARTICHOKE IS ESSENTIALLY A THISTLE THAT’S ONLY PARTLY EDIBLE — BUT THAT BIT IS DELICIOUS

Words Chloe Thomson

The globe artichoke is a member of the thistle family and its unopened flower bud is a delicacy, though only the heart and the fleshy base of the leaves are eaten once the flower centre or choke is removed. Given the plant can get to 1.5m wide and tall, it seems crazy that so little of it is edible — why would you bother growing them? The striking plant itself is reason enough and it sits well in herbaceous borders and perennial garden beds. The silvery-green foliage makes a real statement throughout spring, summer and autumn before dying back in winter. And if you don’t pick the flower buds they’ll open in enormous purple, fluffy blooms that the bees are mad for. Artichokes like a free-draining and friable soil. Mix through plenty of aged…

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Good Organic Gardening (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue #14.5

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