Did you know that artichokes are a member of the thistle family? They are delicious vegetables that can be eaten cooked or raw. Artichokes can be harvested at different times, depending on the variety. This article will discuss when to harvest artichokes and how to store them properly.
How Many Artichokes Can Each Plant Produce?
Artichokes are a popular vegetable with a distinct, slightly bitter flavor. They can be eaten cooked or raw and are often used in salads, pasta dishes, and other recipes.
So, how many artichokes can each plant produce?
The average number of buds on an artichoke plant is six to nine. This, however, may vary based on the type of artichoke and the weather conditions. So, to get the most out of your artichoke plant, choose a high-yielding variety and provide it with optimum growing circumstances.
Let’s look at some of the most popular artichoke cultivars and see how they compare in yield. The Green Globe is one of the most well-known artichoke cultivars for its high yield potential. A single Green Globe plant can produce up to 12 buds under ideal growing conditions. The Big Heart is another highly productive artichoke cultivar that can yield up to 15 buds per plant.
When to Harvest Artichokes?
Artichokes are usually harvested in the spring or fall, depending on where you live. However, if you live in a warm climate, such as California, you may be able to harvest artichokes year-round.
In warm coastal areas, artichokes will begin to grow during winter and be in full bloom by May. The harvesting season will then last through June.
Artichokes will become dormant in the winter for those with somewhat cooler climates, and they will resurface in the spring. The harvesting season in these regions usually extends from April through June.
Sometimes, it is possible to get a second harvest in the fall. However, this is entirely dependent on the weather conditions.
As a result, if you’re planning on harvesting artichokes, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather and start harvesting as soon as the buds are fully grown.
How Do You Know When Artichokes Are Good For Harvest?
Harvesting artichokes at the right time is key to enjoying their unique flavor and texture. The primary way to tell if an artichoke is ripe is by size.
The buds begin to develop during the early phases of plant growth. It’s critical to monitor the size of the buds at this time. The main bud, also known as a choke, should be 3 to 5 inches wide, while the secondary buds, or chokes, should be 1 to 2 inches broad. If the buds are not gathered before they begin to open, the artichoke plant will produce a flower.
The timing of the harvest is also important for another reason. If the artichokes are harvested too early, they will be small and lack flavor. On the other hand, if they are harvested too late, they will be tough and fibrous.
To avoid these problems, it’s best to start harvesting when the buds are fully grown but still tight. At this point, the artichokes will be about the size of a small apple.
How To Harvest Artichokes?
Now that you know when to harvest artichokes let’s dive into how to harvest them. Start by cutting the stem about an inch or two below the bud. Next, twist the bud to snap it off from the stem. Be sure to handle artichokes with care as they are delicate vegetables. Once you have harvested all of the artichokes from the plant, it is time to move on to storage.
How To Store Artichokes?
Artichokes can be stored in several different ways. One option is to keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Start by trimming the stem and cutting off any brown or wilted leaves. Next, place the artichokes in a plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Another option is to blanch them and then freeze them. This is a great way to preserve artichokes for longer periods. To blanch artichokes, start by boiling a pot of water.
Cut the stem and trim the leaves as you would for storing in the fridge. Then, add the artichokes to the boiling water and let them cook for three minutes. Remove them from the pot and place them in an ice bath to stop cooking. Once they are cool, drain them and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Artichokes can be stored in the freezer for up to ten months.
Conclusion
As you can see, a few things to consider when harvesting artichokes. Following the tips above, you can ensure that your artichokes are harvested at the peak of freshness and flavor. Once you’ve harvested your artichokes, store them properly to keep them fresh for as long as possible. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy fresh artichokes all year round.