Are you looking for a low-calorie and nutritious addition to your diet? Look no further than hearts artichokes! Just 1/2 cup of globe or French hearts artichokes (with salt, drained, cooked, and boiled) contains only 42 calories, making it a great option for weight-watchers or those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

But it's not just the low-calorie count that makes hearts artichokes a great choice - they are also packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and folate.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value, benefits, preparation methods, and recipe ideas for hearts artichokes, as well as tips for buying and storing them. Let's get started!

What are Hearts Artichokes?

Hearts artichokes, also known as artichoke bottoms, are the tender innermost part of the artichoke. They are harvested from the globe or French artichoke varieties and have a mild, nutty flavor. Hearts artichokes can be found canned or fresh. Canned hearts artichokes are a convenient option as they are already cooked and ready to use. However, fresh hearts artichokes have a more vibrant flavor and texture, making them a great choice for salads, dips, or as a side dish.

Nutritional Value of Hearts Artichokes

Hearts artichokes are a great source of nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and folate. Just 1/2 cup of cooked hearts artichokes contains: - 4.8g of fiber - 14.4mcg of folate and 14.4mg of vitamin C.

Benefits of Hearts Artichokes

In addition to being low in calories and high in nutrients, hearts artichokes also offer several health benefits. These include: - Improved digestion due to their high fiber content - Reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer due to their antioxidant properties.

How to Prepare Hearts Artichokes?

Preparing hearts artichokes may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple. Here's how to do it: - Canned hearts artichokes can be used straight out of the can, but be sure to drain and rinse them first. - To prepare fresh hearts artichokes, simply trim the stem and top of the artichoke and remove any tough outer leaves. Boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender.

Recipe Ideas with Hearts Artichokes

Hearts artichokes can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to dips to pasta dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started: - Add canned or fresh hearts artichokes to a Greek salad for a flavorful and nutritious twist. - Make a creamy spinach and artichoke dip using canned hearts artichokes and fresh spinach, served with pita chips or crackers.

Possible Side Effects of Hearts Artichokes

While hearts artichokes are generally safe for most people, they may cause some side effects in certain individuals. These include: - Diarrhea or upset stomach due to their high fiber content - Allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to artichokes.

Tips for Buying and Storing Hearts Artichokes

When buying fresh hearts artichokes, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, with tightly packed leaves. Here are some tips for storing them: - Store fresh hearts artichokes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. - Canned hearts artichokes can be stored in the pantry for up to a year.

Heart Artichoke vs. Globe Artichoke

While hearts artichokes are the innermost part of the artichoke, globe artichokes are the entire vegetable - stem, leaves, and all. Here are a few differences between the two: - Globe artichokes are larger in size and have a more intense flavor than hearts artichokes. - Hearts artichokes are more tender and less fibrous than globe artichokes.

Difference between Canned and Fresh Hearts Artichokes

Canned and fresh hearts artichokes differ in texture and flavor. Here are a few differences between the two: - Canned hearts artichokes are already cooked and have a softer texture than fresh hearts artichokes. - Fresh hearts artichokes have a more vibrant flavor and texture than canned hearts artichokes.

Conclusion

Hearts artichokes are a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet. Whether you prefer them canned or fresh, there are plenty of recipes to enjoy. With their low calorie count and high nutrient content, hearts artichokes are a great choice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.