Carciofi

For me, the artichoke has always conjured up the idea of Italy. Much to the dismay of the Lega Nord, almost all artichokes grown in Italy (around 40% of the world’s production) are cultivated in the south, especially in the regions of Puglia, Sicily and Sardegna. One of my favorite train rides on the boot is the one between Foggia and Bari during artichoke season through tens of thousands of acres of carciofi pugliesi. During the winter and spring, these seasonal vegetables are served in innumerable dishes. At the end of the season, the surplus is preserved under local extra virgin olive oil to allow them to be consumed throughout the year. On a side note, f— you, Bossi.

7 Comments:

  • Tom

    What an absolutely beautiful picture. It looks as if the artichoke is reaching out to the sun and sky…which, when you think about it, it is!

    OK…I have to ask…what’s with that last comment???

  • Katie

    I was telling Bossi, the head of the Lega Nord, where to go. The Lega Nord is a group of nutters that believe northern Italy is superior to the South, which they portray as a cancer on the economy of the Italian State. They are complete idiots and racists. I just intended this post to show the assets of the south. Sadly, I don’t think Bossi reads Parla Food.

  • Tom

    Ah, I see. That old feud. Thanks.
    Well, maybe Bossi should get an email with a link to this site…hmmmm? ;)

  • nyc/caribbean ragazza

    Great photo and I feel the same way about Bossi.

  • Juanlu

    I love artichokes, I must admit that I prefer carciofi siciliani! I really like the side note ; )

  • Mamma Parla

    The (only) reason that I visit Italy in springtime is to eat artichokes at EVERY meal. Gorgeous photo!

  • Christine

    Given the Bossi comment, the artichoke looks more like “Come at me bro” than reaching serenely to the sun. Badass carciofi pugliesi.

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