Artichoke pronunciation: Cháo Xiǎn Jì?

Extended information:

Artichoke, also known as artichoke or milk thistle, is a perennial herb. It is native to the Mediterranean region and later spread to all parts of the world, including the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Artichoke is a nutritious vegetable with unique taste and health functions, so it is very popular among people.

Artichokes have a unique appearance, in the form of a large purple or green rosette with a protruding center, composed of leaves and flower stems. Its leaves are broad, dark green, covered with fine hairs, and feel a little rough to the touch. The flower stem extends from the center of the leaf, is about 30-100 cm high, has an umbrella shape at the top, and blooms with golden flowers.

The edible parts of the artichoke are the bottom of the leaves and the top of the flower stem. These parts are tender and have a light, slightly bitter taste. Artichokes can be eaten raw or cooked.

When eaten raw, the tender parts at the bottom of the leaves and the tops of the flower stems can be thinly sliced ??and eaten with salad dressing or sauce. When cooked, artichokes have a more intense flavor and can be used to make soups or stews. During the cooking process, some spices or seasonings can be added to enhance the flavor.

In addition to being used as food, artichokes also have certain medicinal value. The whole plant can be used as medicine and has the functions of clearing away heat and detoxifying, diuretic and reducing swelling, nourishing blood and lowering blood pressure. In traditional Chinese medicine, artichoke is often used to treat diseases such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, and hypertension. In addition, artichoke leaves can also be used to make tea, which has the effects of clearing away heat, detoxifying, and refreshing the mind.

The cultivation of artichokes is also very particular. It requires plenty of sunlight and moisture, while not demanding too much soil. Before planting, the soil needs to be loosened and an appropriate amount of fertilizer applied. During the growth process, regular watering, weeding, and pruning are required to ensure healthy growth of artichokes.

In short, artichoke is a nutritious vegetable with unique taste and health care functions. It can not only be used as an ingredient in cooking, but can also be used as medicine or to make tea. Planting also requires certain skills and precautions. If you like to try fresh ingredients or are interested in Chinese medicinal materials, you might as well try growing some artichokes to experience its unique charm!