BENGALURU: I find Italian Artichoke very unique. The edible portion of the plant consists of the flower buds before the flowers come into bloom. These are inedible in older, larger flowers.
Today, cultivation of the globe artichoke is done only in a few countries and the main European producer is Italy. Apart from its use in food, the globe artichoke is also an attractive plant for its bright floral display, sometimes grown in herbaceous borders for its bold foliage and large purple flower heads.
While working for Celler (The Fusion Restaurant) Civil Aviation Club - Dubai, we were trying many ingredients, finding Jerusalem Artichokes was very difficult and hence we landed with Italian Artichokes which turned out to be very relishing and refreshing. We made a salad out of it called as Braised Artichoke Salad, ingredients were artichokes, roasted green tomato, arugula, snow peas, feta cheese, roasted pine nuts, dressed sherry vinegarette.
The flavour of the Italian Artichoke is mild, tastes a little nutty and is quite tangy. It is also soft, tender and juicy. The challenge is the ingredients itself, as there is no cultivation in our country but it is available online. I made Verdure Pizza and Jakes Keawe Exotic Chicken Haive.
- Krishnan Dinakaran, executive chef,Three Dots and a Dash