Organic Artichoke - Imperial Star

Seeds:  5  / Botanical name:  Cynara scolymus

Mediterranean delicacy - A treat with garlic mayonnaise

The perennial artichoke is a Mediterranean delicacy for every gourmet and grows to about one meter tall. The edible head, with its delicate anise flavor, is actually the plant's basket-shaped flower head and can be harvested from early summer onwards when it is swollen, firm, and still completely closed. Any heads that are not harvested will open into large, purple flowers that are very popular with bees. Imperial Star is a vigorous, improved Golden Globe variety with dark green leaves and broad, white ribs. If sown very early, a harvest is possible in the first year.

Natural habitat:  Artichokes originally come from the Mediterranean region, where they have been cultivated since the first century.

In the kitchen:  Soak the artichoke heads in salt water for about 30 minutes to flush out any insects, trim the sharp tips of the outer leaves, and cook the heads for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on their size. Afterward, the individual scales can be easily peeled off, and the tender plant tissue at the base of the scales can be eaten. The best part of the artichoke, however, is the heart. It goes well with garlic mayonnaise (aioli) or lemon and herb vinaigrette.