Box of 20 Organic Artichoke Heads var. Opal. Approx. 8 Kg

Characteristics

Cynara scolymus var Opal

How does Opal stand out?
It has an extremely pleasant and inviting visual appearance, its colour is similar to that of Violet de Provence, with a rounded and tightly closed head at the base and pointed at the top.

It features a large, globose-ovoid shaped head, large in size with a large receptacle, and unarmed bracts that are green with evident violet hues.
The edible part consists of the flower heads harvested while still in bud with tightly closed leaves and with a 10-15 cm portion of the stem attached.

Use

It is consumed cooked in a pressure cooker, fried or boiled, but also raw, sliced into thin strips for "pinzimonio" (a dipping sauce).
The smaller, more tender heads are used to prepare preserves in oil.
Artichokes have a high content of fibre, organic acids (tannins) and iron. Among various substances, they contain cynarin, a principle with choleretic and cholagogue action that therefore regulates intestinal functions. They also have tonic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic activity. Due to these properties, the plant is recommended for those suffering from liver disease, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, colitis, and eczema.
Its use is not recommended for pregnant women due to its anti-galactogenic effect and for small children.