During the winter months, Artichokes are plentiful. Not as plentiful as they are during their spring peak season, but they are plentiful enough. Prices are a bit higher and the appearance is not as attractive.

You will notice brown spots on the surface of the leaves. This is what California Artichoke marketers call "Bronze tipped" or "winter kissed." The brown peely surface is caused by frost. It is called "epidermal peel" and is caused by the frost that forms on the artichokes on cold winter nights along the coast. A thin layer of filmy skin that coats the outside of the artichoke leaves begins to peel after the frost settles on it. As the day progresses and the sun comes out it turns brown as it tries to heal itself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these artichokes! The brown disappears when the "choke" is cooked. In fact, it is claimed without explanation by the growers that the frosted artichokes have a sweeter and nuttier flavor than the chokes of peak season.

So next time you are in the store and see these 'winter kissed bronze tipped artichokes, don't pass them up.

So next time you are in the store and see these winter kissed bronze tipped artichokes, don't pass them up.

Artichoke recipes:

Artichokes Ala Greque

Nan's Stuffed Artichokes

More about Artichokes:

Feathered Pineapples
Dan the Produce Man

My Artichoke World
Guido the Gardener

Kiss of Burgundy Artichokes
Dan the Produce Man