This vegetable is harvested all over the world, but the Mediterranean climate, as it happens with many fruits and vegetables, gives it an extra value in quality that cannot be compared with other parts of the globe, again, we are fortunate in Spain to offer The best, naturally.
The artichoke needs a temperate climate to have an excellent development, that means that it does not need a lot of heat or freezing temperatures in winter, so the ideal environment is the Mediterranean coast. But in addition, its cultivation in not so mild areas, such as Navarra and Granada, which also produce excellent quality artichokes, and are internationally recognized.
Thanks to the different climatic contrasts that we have in our country, and the sun, our great ally, we can offer artichokes all year round.
It is also ideal if you want to follow a balanced diet, because it helps to stay healthy and promotes the loss of extra kilos.
A very versatile food
The artichoke can be enjoyed in many different ways. They are delicious fried, grilled, baked, and even raw in a salad. It is an excellent companion as a garnish for fish dishes, meat, eggs, rice and even with other vegetables.
And canned, could not fail either. The heart of the artichoke, whole or in halves, is packed in glass. And of course, only the best ones are chosen and those that are in excellent condition, a similar size, and the same color that provide homogeneity in the final appearance.
In preserves, the smell, the flavor, its nutrients and, of course, the properties of the artichoke remain intact. For example, it is a powerful antioxidant, and it is ready to eat when you open it and put it on a plate, an exquisite “ready to eat.
It is a vegetable that, in addition to not containing saturated fat, favors the reduction of cholesterol levels, is rich in fiber and protein, and is full of vitamins such as C, B-6 and E.
De la Cueva and Conservas Serna our choices
En Made in Spain Gourmet We made an exhaustive filter of which artichokes we could offer to our clients. And we found two wonderful representatives of the Spanish artichoke.
Canned Senra It is one of those stories that we like to know in Made in Spain Gourmet. Story of sacrifice and conviction in what one wants. Thus, in the summer of 2018, Francis Senra, began his idea of creating some preserves of the typical stews of Sanlucar de Barrameda, Cadiz. The recipes come from her mother, who has helped create a school among other cooks to create the business at an industrial level. But everything follows the same ritual as if they came from the kitchen of the mother of Fran Sera. However, they are products that have a gourmet approach, and with the aim of projecting this traditional Cadiz food nationally and internationally.
The Sanlúcar brand is what you want to share through gastronomy and traditional recipes.
Its marinated artichokes can be served alone, as a starter or light salad, or accompanied with canned tuna, anchovies, anchovies in vinegar... for a shared snack. In addition, it does not contain colorants or preservatives, and it is a test that is backed by a demanding public that wants the best and the healthy. A "Ready to eat" outstanding. Traditional products, for the world.
La Fine Cave artichoke Food would be one more product of our country if it weren't for Patrick of the Cave, was not also a person who knows how to value his environment, before taking a step forward. For him, the quality of the product is as important as the human quality of the people who produce it. Because it is essential to establish solid relationships with them, where love and passion for what we do prioritize everything.
Of the cave He is and has been restless by nature, and gastronomy has always been a challenge for him. Discovering new cuisines and appreciating the different ingredients from the different regions of the world were his passion.
Thanks to his professional career, which allowed him to travel to more than 40 countries around the world as an expert in saffron, his vision of gastronomy grew and it was when he decided to develop his own brand of gourmet products, which, based on small producers, which know how to do things very well since previous generations, has put its mark Of the cave, to offer the guarantee on the quality of these products, and project them to the world. Not only does it make the products known, you need to know all the processes of its preparation to really understand the final product, and thus get excited about it and decide to put your personal brand on it. Passionate, but with his feet on the ground, he wants to do things well and, we can really say that he does so. Products that you can taste again and again.
Their organic artichokes are a treasure that Patrick Dela Cueva brings us from Tudela (Navarra)). Cultivated in organic gardens in the Ribera del Ebro, it is the Blanca de Tudela variety. Tender and harvested just at its optimum moment, shortly after, it is candied in De la Cueva Arbequina and Picual extra virgin olive oil blend, maintaining all its texture and with a simply superior flavor. An extraordinary delicatessen to accompany dishes or to eat them alone.
Opinion of Xavier Lahuerta
What a pleasure it gives me to be able to experiment with products of this quality. The artichoke is an essential food in my kitchen, it is the Mediterranean in capital letters, quality, versatility in its infinite possibilities of presentation, its properties generated by our climate, so beneficial for vegetables and the Spanish land and textures that take you to the maximum satisfaction as a cook.
Our two choices, the Andalusian ones from Senra and the Navarrese ones from De la Cueva, (southern and northern Spain), are exceptional. I recommend them with a few shavings of acorn-fed ham and a splash of extra virgin olive oil, without further ado. And then to heaven.
AUTHOR: Israel Romero, CEO of Made in Spain Gourmet.
