An All-Time Favorite ARTICHOKES

by Sara Gurgen

Donna Massaro, chef and owner of the Freight House Cafe, in Mahopac, shares some interesting information about this versatile vegetable, including a simple recipe.

What is it about artichokes that you love so much?

ey are not only fun to eat, they take me back to my childhood—sitting around grandma’s dining room table with the loud, crazy Italian family during the holidays.

Do they o er health bene ts?

e leaves are packed with nutrients. Having more antioxidants than any other vegetable, the artichoke ranked seventh

Local Recipe

Roasted Artichoke

in a study of antioxidant levels out of 1,000 di erent foods. One large artichoke contains one quarter of the daily recommended ber intake. A medium one has more ber than a cup of prunes! It is bene cial to the liver, aids in digestion, improves gallbladder function and reduces cholesterol. It is actually also a great hangover treatment.

Where are they grown?

Artichokes are native to Northern Africa and still grow wild. As part of the sunower family, this funny-looking vegetable blooms into a beautiful violet ower if not picked. One plant can produce more than 20 artichokes per year. eir peak seasons are spring and fall, but they are available

Artichoke Salt and pepper

Olive oil Sharp knife Baking pan Foil

Roasting artichokes brings out their earthy, nutty avor. is simple recipe produces a unique appetizer, a delicious side dish, or just eat them alone!

YIELD: 1 SERVING e Freight House Cafe serves local, organic food, and Massaro works hard to exclusively buy ingredients in the USA. She has created a menu inspired by her favorite places all across the country.

Remove outer layer until you reach the pale yellow inside. Cut in fourths.

Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Cover with foil.

Bake for 20 minutes at 350o F. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes or until brown.

12 months out of the year. California provides almost 100 percent of the U.S. crops and is nicknamed “the artichoke center of the world”.

What advice do you have for choosing an artichoke?

In the winter months, it is good to see white blisters on the outer leaves. is means it was exposed to cold temperatures. ey should be rm; the leaf should squeak when rubbed and snap when you fold it.

How should they be stored?

Sprinkle with water and refrigerate in an airtight plastic bag. ey will keep for about a week.

Serve with baked chicken, steak or sh on the grill, or as the main dish.

Location: 609 Rte. 6, in Mahopac, NY. For more information, call 845.628.1872, email thefreighthousecafe@yahoo.com or visit eFreightHouseCafe.com.