California Artichokes

Artichokes Ready for Harvest

A recent trip to Monterey, California took me past the largest artichoke growing region in this country, the town of Castroville. There are many large fields of artichokes growing all along Highway 1 right up to the ocean and I am told they thrive with the cool sea breeze coming off the Pacific. There are several stands selling all the local produce and I always stop for a few bags of artichokes or what ever looks good. My plan for cooking them will be to simply steam them, then finish on a hot charcoal grill with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil.  Look for a post soon.