On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish. 

According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin.  Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!

• The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
• The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable. 
• California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!

Explore More…

• National Asparagus Month
• Mediterranean Diet Month
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• National Salad Month
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month
• Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits
• Roasted Vegetables
• Fresh Celery Month
• National Celery Month
• National Ants On A Log Day
• National Pack Your Lunch Day
• Spinach and Squash Month
• How to Cook A Sweet Potato
• National Onion Day
• National Cabbage Day
• National Spinach Day
• Acorn Squash Day
• National Zucchini Day
• National Artichoke Hearts Day
• National Mushroom Month
• Sweet Potato Awareness Month
• World Vegan Month
• World Vegan Day
• National Pepper Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #ArtichokeHeartsDay

Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes. You can even test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones. We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.

• Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
• Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
• Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
• Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
• Warm-up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
• Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
• Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.

Use #ArtichokeHeartsDay to post on social media.