Dear friends, welcome back! Today for the Light and Tasty section we talk about artichokes, and I decided to offer you a nice artichoke leaf decoction. Have you ever tried it?
It is a herbal tea that deserves to be prepared every time you buy artichokes, the leaves to discard every time are always many!, for me throwing them all away without using them in some way is unthinkable. 😃
And then it is a decoction that I like very much. It has a fragrance and flavor of artichoke that cannot fail to please those who love artichokes like me. And I will tell you that for me it is not even as bitter as everyone says, so much so that I drink it natural, but it can also be sweetened with a teaspoon of honey, which makes it pleasant even to those who do not like bitter tastes. After all… a decoction that is not bitter is quite rare, since it is usually prepared with roots, leaves or stems. 😊
It’s also very simple to make, it practically prepares itself, the only thing to do is wash the leaves!
The artichoke leaf decoction has countless properties: it is digestive, purifying, detoxifying, antioxidant, thanks to the high content of mineral salts, vitamins A, C, E and B group, beta-carotene, inulin and cynarine, the latter a polyphenol particularly useful as a liver detoxifier.
So please, never throw away the outer leaves of the artichoke but use them to make this very simple herbal tea, you have to exploit all the properties of the artichoke down to the last leaf and the last scrap!
☰ ☰ ☰
Below I leave you some recycling ideas the other way around, i.e…. if you don’t know how to use the artichokes for which you are about to use the discarded leaves, here are three recipes perfect for today’s lunch! 😉👇
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: cups: 2
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients for 2 cups
- 20 artichoke leaves (about 3.5 oz)
- 2.5 cups water
- honey (optional)
Tools
- Saucepan stainless steel
- Lid
Steps
Remove the leaves from the artichokes and select about twenty leaves intended for discarding.
Wash the leaves in acidulated water with a slice of lemon.
Put the artichoke leaves in a saucepan and add the water.
Bring to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes.
Turn off, cover with a lid and let it rest for 10 minutes, then remove the leaves and strain with a sieve.
☝ Some recipes I consulted indicate a decoction time (boiling) of 15-20 minutes, I – both for the method and for the time – relied on the advice of my friend Gianna, a very experienced herbalist. This method (i.e., boiling for 5 minutes + 10 minutes rest) can also be used with dried artichoke leaves.
Drink the decoction warm or hot (but not boiling) after meals for a digestive action or in the morning on an empty stomach for a purifying action.
If desired, it can be sweetened with a teaspoon of honey.
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In my WhatsApp channel and on Instagram, on the Facebook page, in Pinterest and in my two groups: Catia’s group, in the kitchen and beyond and Exactly what I was looking for! and if you want… subscribe to my Newsletter.
As always, I say goodbye by leaving you in the company of the other recipes of the Light and Tasty Team. Who knows how my colleagues have used artichokes! 😗
Carla Emilia: Spicy artichokes
Daniela: Couscous with artichokes
Elena: Artichoke crumble
Milena: Artichoke, pistachio, and mint pesto
Serena: Artichoke omelette with artichoke side
Carla Emilia: Spicy artichokes
Daniela: Couscous with artichokes
Elena: Artichoke crumble
Milena: Artichoke, pistachio, and mint pesto
Serena: Artichoke omelette with artichoke side
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What’s the difference between an infusion and a decoction?
An infusion (commonly referred to as herbal tea) is obtained by infusing the ingredients (herbs, flowers, leaves) in boiling water and letting them rest for a few minutes, usually 5 to 10 minutes.
A decoction involves decoction: the ingredients (usually roots, seeds, berries, leaves) must be poured into boiling water and simmered for 5-10 minutes. Then they can be left to infuse for as many minutes.What are the properties of the artichoke?
The artichoke is digestive, purifying, diuretic, detoxifying, and antioxidant. It promotes bile secretion and detoxifies the liver. It promotes good intestinal function (and reduces the risk of colon cancer) thanks to fibers. It helps reduce cholesterol.
