Artichokes

Delight of the Gods

Zeus was visiting his brother Poseidon one day when, as he emerged from the sea, he spied a beautiful young mortal woman. She did not seem frightened by the presence of a god, and Zeus seized the opportunity to seduce her. He was so pleased with the girl, who's name was Cynara, that he decided to make her a goddess, so that she could be nearer to his home on Olympia. Cynara agreed to the promotion, and Zeus anticipated the trysts to come, whenever his wife Hera was away. However, Cynara soon missed her mother and grew homesick. She snuck back to the world of mortals for a brief visit. After she returned, Zeus discovered this un-goddess-like behavior. Enraged, he hurled her back to earth and transformed her into the plant we know as the artichoke.

Because of this legend, the artichoke had a reputation amongst the Ancient Greeks and Romans as an aphrodisiac, and their consumption was restricted to the nobility. The reputation persisted through the Renaissance, even up to the time of Napoleon, who was quite fond of them. Part of their exclusivity was due to how difficult they were to grow in all but the ideal climates.

Fortunately, just such a climate exists in the Monterey Bay area, where artichokes flourish. Castroville, a small town which may be considered the center of the artichoke world, produces almost nothing but the savory plant. A favorite stop of ours is at a kitchy restaurant named "the Giant Artichoke", where they feature 'chokes in every imaginable configuration. Our favorite is whole, deep fried baby 'chokes, with a mayonnaise dipping sauce.

Artichokes are a close relative of the thistle, a fact readily apparent upon examination. The edible portion is the young bud, before it flowers and, like the thistle, every petal is tipped with a sharp spine. This ensured the wild plant's survival on Mediterranean slopes where wild goats roamed.

From the Mediterranean comes a potent artichoke-based liquor called, appropriately enough, Cynar. Its taste? A bit like artichoke-flavored fire, but I mean that in a good way.

Artichokes come into season twice a year - in spring and fall, and when they are available, we feast. We may have them every week, and think nothing of sitting down to a meal of three large 'chokes each. As a bonus, artichokes contain a number of healthful substances, as well as being high in vitamin D and trace minerals. So, are they truly aphrodisiacs? More research is necessary, and we are pleased to volunteer.

For more on artichokes: Ocean Mist