• Anthocyanins: Color pigments that act powerful antioxidants and are associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, urinary tract health, memory function and healthy aging.
• Gallic Acid: A potent antioxidant also found in red wine and black tea that has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation in prostate cancer cells.
• Luteolin and Cynarin: Very powerful polyphenol antioxidants that may lower cholesterol levels and may also help in regeneration of liver tissue.
• Caffeic Acid and Chlorogenic Acid: Contains anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-LDL (bad cholesterol) and antiviral properties.
• Silymarin: A powerful antioxidant believed to aid the liver in regenerative tissue growth.
Smart product designers know they should keep artichokes on the menu year round as appetizers, or to add a special touch a signature dish. Good taste and good business were never so compatible.
Kori Tuggle is the marketing manager for Ocean Mist Farms (www.oceanmistfarms.com), headquartered in Castroville, CA. Ocean Mist Farms has been growing fresh artichokes and vegetables since 1924. The family-owned company is the largest grower of fresh artichokes in the United States with locations in three areas of California: Castroville, Oxnard and Coachella.
Web Resources
California Artichoke Advisory Board
CDC Vegetable of the Month: Artichoke
Taking the Mystery out of the Artichoke
Other Resources
Ocean Mist Farms
Vegetables
Artichoke Nutritional Information
Globe Artichokes, (cooked, boiled, drained, without salt)
Nutrient Value per 100 grams
Water: 84.08 grams
Energy: 53 kcal
Protein: 2.89 grams
Total lipid (fat): 0.34 grams
Fatty acids, total saturated: 0.081 grams
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated: 0.011 grams
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated: 0.143 grams
Ash: 0.74 grams
Carbohydrate: 11.95 grams
Fiber, total dietary: 8.6 grams
Sugars, total: 0.99 grams
Minerals
Calcium: 21 mg
Iron: 0.61 mg
Magnesium: 42 mg
Phosphorus: 73 mg
Potassium: 286 mg
Sodium: 60 mg
Zinc: 0.40 mg
Copper: 0.127 mg
Manganese: 0.225 mg
Selenium: 0.2 mcg
Vitamins
Vitamin C: 7.4 mg
Thiamin: 0.050 mg
Riboflavin: 0.089 mg
Niacin: 1.110 mg
Pantothenic acid: 0.240 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.081 mg
Folate, total: 89 mcg
Choline, total: 34.4 mg
Betaine: 0.2 mg
Vitamin B:12 0.00 mcg
Vitamin A: 13 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): 0.19 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone): 14.8 mcg
Other
Beta carotene: 8 mcg
Lutein & zeaxanthin: 464 mcg
Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 20 (2007)