Glory, Hallelujah!!!
Over time I am sure most of you know about our keen appetite for artichokes in this house. Our children grew up with them and continue to enjoy this culinary delight when possible. And they will hopefully pass on the obsession to their children.
This spring I found some artichoke (french globe) seeds in Big Town and started them off in my greenhouse. Three of the starters graduated to the garden in May and they have been watched with eager anticipation. I suppose I could confess to singing to the little plants and fondling the leaves and talking encouraging words to these treasures. Those tactics are all rumored to help with the growth of plants!
On Thursday morning during my routine early morning garden inspection I saw that 1 stalk has broken through to the top and has a wonderful, beautiful bud just sitting there. When I return for a Wednesday morning inspection I am hoping more stalks have popped up. I was so excited that of course I had to photograph it and have been thinking of it all the time I have been gone.
Did you know:
One artichoke plant can produce more than 20 artichokes per year.
In 1947 Marilyn Monroe, then still going by her given name Norma Jean, was crowned Castroville's first Artichoke Queen.
It wasn't until the 20th century that artichokes were grown in the United States.
The top artichoke producers today are Spain, France, and Italy.
"Eating an artichoke is like getting to know someone really well." - Willi Hastings
Oh happy day! I hope the flavor between store bought and home grown is similar to that of tomatoes, where the home grown is out of this world! Maybe you're starting a new industry for Mayne Island?
ReplyDeleteI can see why Marilyn Monroe was named Queen of the Artichokes... totally appropriate! It feeds the illusion that 'bigger is better.'
ReplyDeleteHmm artichokes--I must say I do like them but have never attempted to use them at home, only in restaurants--will have to find some recipes and give it a try.
ReplyDeleteHope they taste as good as they look!
ReplyDeleteyipeee! yes, i knew that about marilyn and castroville...shelby always east artichokes when we go to the monterey peninsula. well done!
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