Help! Trapped by the Artichoke Triffids
Yikes! I have a giant crop of artichokes. This is not a bad thing, of course, but a couple of years ago I planted an artichoke plant in the front garden for its wonderful sculptural quality, having eaten very few artichokes in my life, and all of them in restaurants. Last year I worked out how to hack into their hearts and scoop out their chokes with a spoon. Yes, it felt like plant murder, but then, they look like triffids, so I thought I ought to show them who's boss before it is TOO LATE. This year I have at least a dozen giant artichokes, on plants six feet tall, with more baby ones on the way. Last year I filled a large jar with marinated artichoke hearts in oil, which is still splendidly intact a year later, because I can't think what to do with them. Soon I will have several more of the same, and then it will start to get embarrassing.
Help! What can I do with them? Recipes, I need recipes!
This is a photo of last year's crop, due to my ongoing lack of a camera. This year the plants are about two feet taller and two feet wider. I lie awake at night listening for the sinister rustling of artichokes trying to get in...
Comments
But on the triffid front I can tell you that it is a lie perpetuated by the 1950s movie that salt water kills them. It doesn't. So if you hear a tapping sound, get a flame thrower. And keep track of exactly where you plant them.
Marinaded artichoke hearts are fabulous on salads and as a tasty surprise in a pasta dish. Yummy!
It takes me about 45 minutes to cook ours. The link says to take a leaf from the outside to see if it is done, but I always take out a middle leaf to test. We cook one per person, so this may help you put a dent in your bounty.
Tammy, yes, dinosaur plants! I will spookily illuminate them to scare local children..
Heather, Linda, Fran, thanks so much for those ideas, will brave up and crack open the jar, and Fran, next time a mini artichoke plantlet appears, it's yours! Now you have a vegetable Fort Knox, all will be well.
Sorry, still now help with recipes. I'd go with e/dig in and le them flower. But that is probably not just for the beauty but from my laziness and not really knowing what to do with the vege.
Kali
Youve got me all stirred up trying to be thrifty - i cant rest on my husbands laurels now can i. Wait for post.
e, did that for the first two years I grew them, feeling 'wasted food' guilt now though...
Lucinda, I REALLY like Wyndham's novels. They are so practical. All doomers and preppers should read them. Have you read The Kraaken? Global sea rises (very topical, although this one caused by aliens), and the prescient wife of the narrator saves the day by cementing a year's worth of food under the BBQ, thereby saving it from looters. Love it. 1950s survivalist DIY.
Kali, that does seem to be the traditional way to go, and it seems so wasteful to just eat the heart. I'll give it a go (I seem to remember reading something about dipping in melted butter..)
I love that you have a wonderful nostalgic memory connected with artichokes.
Lynda, look forward to the thrifty post. I know you'll beat your husband hollow! And I love 'unfrenquently'. Makes much more sense. I'm totally leaving it!
Lucky you to have those beautiful plants!
frances