Follow the artichoke trail in Monterey County
Artichokes are one of the earliest recorded superfoods, with the Ancient Greeks using them for medicinal purposes and their health benefits. Recently they have been re-emerging as more than just a love/hate vegetable that people don’t quite know what to do with. Those who’ve tried Artichoke tea (popular for years in Vietnam) report a smooth and sweet flavour that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, is good for your skin, anxiety and can potentially even lower cholesterol.
So let’s spill the tea on this edgy veggie …
Nearly two thirds of the world’s artichokes are grown in Monterey County in California - a fertile county of coast and valleys where the climate allows them to grow year round. It’s no surprise then that Monterey County is home to the ‘Artichoke Centre of the World’ - Castroville - which is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. Each year Castroville hosts the annual Artichoke Festival where, back in 1948, the inaugural Artichoke Queen was none other than Norma Jean, aka Marilyn Monroe!
To celebrate this heritage, today on National Artichoke Hearts Day, Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) has launched an Artichoke Trail that turns the spotlight on this edible thistle. The Artichoke Trail incorporates over 20 stops including restaurants, farm stands and attractions that highlight the numerous ways visitors can enjoy and experience this unique vegetable in Monterey County. Highlights include:
Ag Venture walking tour at Pezzini Farms (Castroville) - Walk the Pezzini family farm to demystify the artichoke and learn how to cultivate and prepare the vegetable, then swing by the farm's on-site food truck, The Choke Coach, to sample the harvest in many forms, including their artichoke po'boy.
Flying Artichoke restaurant (Salinas) - Chow down on a Choke Burger made with sautéed sliced artichoke hearts, fresh ground beef, Swiss cheese and basil aioli.
Old Fisherman's Grotto (Monterey) - Pick up a grilled Castroville artichoke marinated in balsamic vinaigrette, served with lemon lemon dill aioli.
Baja Cantina Grill & Filling Station (Carmel Valley) ▪ Bite into a Monterey Bay Quesadilla, served with grilled prawns, artichoke hearts, Jack cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, tartar and dill sauce.
Restaurant at Big Sur River Inn (Big Sur) ▪ Dig into a plate of Pasta Castoville, made with fettucini pasta, artichoke hearts, pesto sauce, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots and mushrooms.
You can also visit the world’s largest artichoke status in Castroville on a stretch dubbed Artichoke Alley.
Learn more about the Artichoke Trail at www.SeeMonterey.com/Artichokes.