Naturegrail Artichoke Dried Cut Leaves from Italy - Cynara Cardunculus Loose Herb - Net Weight: 1oz/28.5g - Cardoon/Artichoke Thistle Herb (Pack of 2)

Cynara Cardunculus, commonly known as the artichoke, is a thistle-like perennial plant that grows to a height of 4-6 feet. Its large, gray-green leaves are thick and spiny, while its edible buds are composed of a fleshy base, called the "heart," surrounded by numerous edible petal-like leaves. In cuisine, the artichoke heart is a popular ingredient in various dishes such as stews, salads, dips, and antipasto platters. One classic recipe using artichokes is Grilled Artichokes with Lemon-Garlic Butter: Ingredients: 4 medium artichokes 4 tablespoons butter, melted 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Cut the stem of each artichoke so that it can stand upright. Cut off the top quarter of the artichoke to remove the spiny tips of the leaves. Boil the artichokes in a large pot of salted water for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the artichokes from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush the artichokes with the lemon-garlic butter, making sure to coat each leaf. Place the artichokes on the grill, cover and grill for 10-15 minutes, or until the leaves are crispy and the heart is tender. Serve hot, with additional lemon-garlic butter for dipping. In addition to its culinary uses, the Cynara Cardunculus plant has been cultivated for its ornamental qualities, with its striking appearance and large size making it a popular choice for landscaping and garden design. The plant's stems and leaves can also be used as a source of fiber for paper production, while its flower heads can be used as a source of food for livestock.