J. Artichokes - advice?

[frozenthunderbolt]

I'm about to take delivery of 1.5 kilos of risomes.
Do they grow in pots?
When/where can i plant?
Yes i know somewhat invasive - im not worried - exceptional pig food.
Any fav. recipies?
Dad says they taste like ants - is this to do with varieties/are there different better/worse kinds?

Ta in advance.

[fran]

I have J. Artichokes growing in large pots, just like potatoes, and they are doin fine. I like the taste of them, but I did learn a tip, boil them before peeling as it makes them so much easier to peel. They don't have the well known side effect on me, but maybe I just have cast iron insides!!!!!!

[Keaniebean]

Dad says they taste like ants - is this to do with varieties/are there different better/worse kinds?

I'm not sure I want to know exactly how your dad is able to compare them with ants

[frozenthunderbolt]

We regularly get ant infestations and accidentaly consume the little buggers from time to time!
Thanks Y'all keep it coming ;-) (the info I mean)

[Touchwood]

They do have the usual unfortunate side effect on me but I LOVE Cream of Artichoke soup. I also put a few in a stew, casserole etc and let them mush right down, helps to thinken and add a bit of flavour, or try some thinly sliced in a stirfry.

[Christine]

I planted mine in a stony, clay-ey corner of the allotment. My only problem is getting them out of the ground without being covered in mud (and having to eat them when I'll be alone the next day). If you don't clear them all out, every tuber sprouts and they get crowded and small. The tip about boil before peeling is right on. Also, if they're young (autumn rather than spring that is) you can cook and eat whole. V good roasted that way. The taste is really nutty and delicate.
Mix with carrots and celery in a soup - bit of nutmeg and onion, maybe.

[frozenthunderbolt]

Awesome,, thanks Christine. The Seller said that you can only eat the tubers in winter anyone know if true/false? Sorry, i know i'm being being lazy and googleless!

[Christine]

The tubers start to throw up shoots very early in the year - certainly by March - so they're in no condition to eat after that. Think of potatoes...

[battybird]

We roast them and serve plain or with other veg with goats cheese crumbled over just before serving.
Or my favourite recipe; derbyshire artichokes
Boil artichokes till soft, season and drain and put in buttered ovenproof dish. Heat a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil in a pan and when hot stir in breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Stir mixture until all oil is absorbed, add parsley/coriander or which herbs you prefer then place on top of artichokes (like a crumble) Bake in the oven till top is brown and crisp. Lovely with a green salad and can also be done with other root veg. Sorry I cannot give you exact quantities...book is in portugal and I dont measure anyway! Cooked it in fairly hot oven (?temp... but it is very forgiving!)
Next day work outside in fresh air

[frozenthunderbolt]

Yay! they finally arrived today - now i just have to await a break in the weather and go dig a hole in the mud to plant them!

[Carltonian Man]

Planted JA's for the first time this year. Loving this thread so have bookmarked it.

[jim]

Just roasted like spuds is delicious. My lady hates them in any form, as well as the effect they have upon my digestive tract. Once planted they look after themselves.

Love and Peace
Jim

[frozenthunderbolt]

I ate one, lightly boiled probably about the size of my thumb last night - i quite liked it and it didn't seem to do anything too violent to me - apparently the trick is to get your body used to them slowly- increasing the amount you eat of a period of time.

This said, I can eat large quantities of Yucon's with no ill effects and apparently they also contain inulin

[Cloud]

Winter savoury is supposed to help reduce the side-effects. We're growing (both) for the first time this year. Now looking for recipes (especially those that include winder savoury) .