Characteristics

Cynara scolymus var Opal

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

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

Use

It can be consumed cooked in a pressure cooker, fried or boiled, but also raw, sliced into thin strips with a vinaigrette dip.
The smaller, more tender heads are used to prepare preserves in oil.
Artichokes are high in fibre, organic acids (tannins) and iron. Among various substances, they contain cynarin, an active principle with choleretic and cholagogue properties, which therefore regulates intestinal functions. It also has tonic, diuretic, and hypocholesterolemic activity. Due to these properties, the plant is recommended for those with liver disease, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, colitis, and eczema.
Its use is not recommended for pregnant women due to its anti-galactogenic effect, and for young children.