Journey to the center of this leaf-plated, labor-intensive, but oh-so-luscious (and low cal!) vegetable on March 16, Artichoke Hearts Day. Eating an artichoke is like opening a gift to yourself. It provides a good dose of potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium and phosphorus - all for just 60 calories. But the biggest health bonus artichokes have to offer is fiber -- all six, insoluble grams of it, which may help lower serum cholesterol levels and prevent disease.
Amazingly,
California produces nearly all of the artichokes in the U.S. - and consumes almost half of them! Store them in the vegetable bin in plastic bags to prevent dehydration. Stand artichokes upright in three inches of water, cover and boil gently for 40 minutes or until a center petal can be pulled out easily. Or for something different, try this Baked Artichoke recipe (
click here). Either way, enjoy with a favorite dip -
click here for ours.