Artichoke: benefits and harm, caloric content and properties, how to grow and multiply

In some countries, a plant such as artichoke is very popular among the population. Benefits and harm have been known since ancient times. This herb is referred to as Compositae, since it possesses large edible inflorescences. In fact, this product is like a huge bud. Artichoke became especially popular on the territory of the United States, where it was once brought in by settlers from Europe.

The Importance of Artichoke Inflorescences in Cooking

It was in this country that the plant found its deserved destination. In many recipes of the national cuisine, not only young fruits are used, but mature late buds, more reminiscent of old cones. The first, as a rule, are required for preparation of snacks, salads. As for larger kidneys, they are sent to hot dishes. The cooking options for this plant can not be counted. After all, in addition to these methods, artichoke, the benefits and harm to health from which everyone should be familiar, you can and conserve, and cook, and eat raw. Since only the crushed core of this plant is suitable for food, somewhat like a walnut, beautiful sauces, pastas and purees are prepared from it.

The most important thing is to choose the right fruit. On quality artichokes there will never be speckles, darkening. Healthy kidneys have an even green color, rather elastic and not too dry. The size of such a delicacy absolutely does not matter. However, blossoming blue flowers of artichoke are not used for food, but they find themselves in a culinary decor.

Caloric content of the product and its useful substances

Artichoke, the benefits and harm, the caloric content and other qualities of which need more detailed consideration, is not in vain so highly appreciated by the chefs. In addition to taste advantages, this plant can safely boast of the richest composition of nutrients necessary for the body. Among the essential elements that are important for daily intake with food, inflorescences contain about 3% of proteins, they have very little vegetable fat and not more than 15% of carbohydrates. Numerous useful substances, including iron, calcium phosphate, B, C, P, carotene and many more vitamins. It is impossible not to mention the presence of vital organic acids in the composition of the inflorescences of the plant.

When making a diet for weight loss, an artichoke will become an excellent find. Caloric content and properties (the benefits and harm from using this plant still do not find an unequivocal approach of nutritionists) it is said that a vegetable suitable for this purpose is better, just not found. It perfectly combines a small amount of calories (total 47 per 100 g of product) and valuable nutritional quality.

Favorable effect on the body

This dietary product can rightfully replace starch, so often its use is recommended for people with diabetes. In the XVIII century healers advised the artichoke with suffering gout, liver diseases. To date, doctors do not deny its easy digestibility by the body, diuretic and choleretic effects. Often, not only inflorescences are used for the preparation of medicinal infusions and potions, but also leaves, the root part. Artichoke, the benefit and harm of which deserve special attention, reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood and acts as a preventative against atherosclerosis.

An interesting fact is that even in ancient times the Greeks considered artichoke juice as a panacea, helping to cope with baldness. It was enough to rub the received liquid into the head at least several times a month.

In modern non-traditional medicine, freshly squeezed vegetable juice is recommended for men as a stimulant of sexual desire. For people with problem sweating, artichoke is also the best solution.

It is also worth noting that artichoke also found its use in dentistry . Useful properties (the benefits and harms of plants are in an unequal ratio) contribute to the improvement of the oral cavity, cope with such troubles as stomatitis, cracks in the tongue, thrush.

At the moment, the pharmacology industry often resorts to the use of artichokes in the production of medicines. First of all, we are talking about medicines that are prescribed by specialists for the treatment of hepatitis, gallstone diseases, atherosclerosis, allergies. In addition, it is included in the composition of ointments, creams necessary for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema.

Contraindications to artichoke use

Meanwhile, despite a wide range of advantages, artichoke, the benefit and harm of which must be reasonably weighed before use, has a very negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract of people suffering from gastritis, low acidity, low blood pressure. It is known that the plant contains a polyphenol substance that increases the formation and excretion of bile. Therefore, people who suffer from cholecystitis, it is better to completely eliminate from their diets the use of this product.

The dimensions of the vegetable and the rules for its storage predetermine the necessary method of preparation. For example, a young bud of the inflorescence is pleasant to taste and without heat treatment, while a large mature fruit can not be eaten raw, because the fibers of such a plant are stiff and not tasty. An artichoke with brown leaves open at all is not suitable for eating.

How to store fruit?

The terms and conditions of storage of fruits also affect their quality. Harm to the body can cause artichoke, which due to long-term storage absorbed the surrounding moisture and odors. The ideal period for preserving the useful properties of most vegetables is a week, as much as not artichoke. Benefits and harm (how to cook artichoke, retaining the maximum number of valuable properties, there are many tips), to some extent, determined by the storage time. Therefore, often after the purchase, many times start to pickle and preserve the product.

Seed preparation

Given that the artichoke belongs to the vegetable class of plants, a seedling method is excellent for cultivating and growing it.

The first stage of cultivation is the preparation of seeds. It is advisable to conduct this procedure in early March. To do this, you need a container with water. Seeds should be put in water and wait for the subsequent swelling and germination.

It is important to maintain the necessary temperature to achieve the desired results. At home, the source of constant heat at this time of year are the batteries. However, after the appearance of tiny roots it is desirable to accustom the seeds to hardening. This can be done by placing a container with sprouts in the cold for 10-14 days.

Landing in the ground

Then seasoned future artichokes (benefit and harm, how to grow and prepare a plant - all this information is known to many fans of this product) is sown in a prepared pot or large box. Before the first transplant from the general container in a separate bowl should take about a month. By the end of spring, the prepared seedlings can be planted in open soil. It is to this point that the probability of frosts, which can have a disastrous effect on the state of seedlings, is minimal. In the process of planting young plants, it should be remembered that the adult artichoke has large dimensions, therefore it is best to distribute young seedlings 60-70 cm apart from each other at a depth of 20-25 cm.

How to care for an artichoke?

Care for this plant, as well as for many other vegetables, does not require a special approach. He also needs loose soil, the absence of weeds nearby, and the implementation of preventive measures aimed at preventing diseases and parasites. Artichoke, the benefit and harm of which will not leave anyone indifferent, does not need frequent copious watering. Of course, in the case of drought, it is desirable to provide the plant with sufficient moisture.

To get rid of slugs and black rot can be by spraying with special solutions. Basically, resort to the use of infusions from phytoncides. Useful insects (bees, wasps, etc.) will warn the artichoke from the appearance of aphids, so often in the neighborhood of this vegetable nectariferous crops or flowers are planted.