How to eat artichokes
The book is more of an engaging conversation that an instruction manual. Take the first page. There we learn that now is the time to plant seeds for globe artichokes and, over the years, if you keep dividing them, you’ll have quite a handsome hedge that produces brilliant, lilac, thistle-like flowers.
Or you can eat the fruit before it flowers and relive an ancient dining experience. This falls into the category of slow food rather than a quick snack. Once boiled whole, the authors suggest you pluck off a leaf at a time, dip it in a sauce and eat. Go round and round the globe and the leaves get sweeter and more tender the closer you get to the heart. Lift off the heart’s silky seed stem cap, then place the heart on your tongue. It will melt.
How to cook homegrown
As well as all the info on vegetables, there is a section on herbs and spices that will enhance your produce, mysteries of your kitchen pantry explained and a truckload of recipes from all over the world.
Another top tip from the book is to get down and dirty in the garden. It's fun and rewarding. Be smart and saucy in the kitchen with your rewards. It’s so satisfying.
Happy gardening and happy eating!
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