Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Cocktail artichokes are simply the smaller artichokes growing on the same plant as larger artichokes. Most commonly they are found growing on globe artichoke and desert globe artichoke plants. They grow in the inner shaded part of the pant. Their protection from the sun yields slower growth. They are more rounded in shape in the winter and spring and become nearly conical in the summer months. If trimmed and cooked properly, every part of the cocktail artichoke is edible, as its size renders little choke, if any. Cocktail artichokes are tender and sweeter but less meaty than their mature counterparts.
Seasons/Availability
Cocktail artichokes peak season is in spring, but are usually available year-round.
Current Facts
Artichokes, botanical name Cyrnara scolymus, are the young flower heads of an herbaceous perennial plant and member of the Compositae family. A strange occurrence known as the "Artichoke Effect" changes the palate's reaction to certain drinks after eating artichokes. This is due to the compounds found in artichokes, chlorogenic acid and cynarin, which impair sweet receptors in taste buds.
Applications
Cocktail artichokes may be braised, steamed, roasted, boiled, baked, marinated and hearts preserved in oil. Artichokes pair well with both fatty ingredients and high acid ingredients. Complimentary ingredients include anchovies, bacon, basil, butter, cheeses, especially goat and feta, cream, garlic, lemon, hollandaise, mushrooms, pepper, sausage, thyme, tomatoes, vinaigrettes, white wine and truffles. For the optimum artichoke, select artichokes that have a tight core and feel substantial regardless of size. if you squeeze the artichoke and it squeaks, it is fresh. It is advised to rinse and scrub artichokes well before using to remove the naturally occurring bitter film the plant produces while growing. To preserve the artichoke's color and prevent browning, soak in a lemon and water solution.
Geography/History
Artichokes were first cultivated in the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago, specifically in the northern region of Africa, called Maghreb, where they are still found growing in their wild state. Artichokes are most commonly cultivated in Italy, France, Belgium and in California. The first artichoke seeds were brought to America by Italian immigrants and transplanted in the coastal region of Northern and Central California, where today, 99% of all artichokes in the U.S. are grown. Although very hardy, it is only temperate coastal marine climates that artichokes thrive.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Valentina | Encinitas CA | 207-522-1937 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Boss Bird Kitchen | La Mesa CA | 858-566-9191 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cocktail Artichokes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Foodness Gracious |
|
Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Parmesan |
| Philo's Kitchen |
|
Preserved Baby Artichokes in Oil |
Recently Shared
People have shared Cocktail Artichokes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 9 days ago, 5/07/22 Sharer's comments : Baby Artichokes from Suncoast Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 51 days ago, 3/26/22 Sharer's comments : Baby Artichokes from Suncoast Farms 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 127 days ago, 1/09/22 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 276 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Cocktail artichoke 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 418 days ago, 3/24/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 438 days ago, 3/04/21 Sharer's comments : Cocktail Artichokes from Suncoast Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 439 days ago, 3/03/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 460 days ago, 2/10/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 686 days ago, 6/29/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Cocktail Artichokes are in! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 712 days ago, 6/03/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful baby artichokes at Suncoast Farms |
