Cardoon - 400 Seeds

Cardoon - 400 Seeds
by Outsidepride: Herb Seed

Buy new: $8.99

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Review & Description

Cardoon (Cynara Cardunculus) - The cardoon has become important as a medicinal herb in recent years following the discovery of cynarin. This bitter-tasting compound, which is found in the leaves, improves liver and gall bladder function, stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, especially bile, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Sometimes people refer to cardoon as artichoke thistle. Plants form a large clump of silver-grey thistly leaves that attract much favorable comment. Tall stems of violet blue thistle flowers appear in late summer, similar in appearance to an artichoke. In colder climates this is most often treated as an annual. Cardoon herbs have many useful parts. The flower buds of cardoon are used raw or cooked: often used as a globe artichoke substitute. The flower buds are a bit smaller than the globe artichoke. The buds are harvested just before the flowers open. They are then usually boiled before being eaten. Only the base of each bract is eaten, plus the "heart" or base that the petals grow from. The flavor of cardoon is mild and pleasant and is felt by some people to be more delicate than the globe artichoke. The stems of cardoon are also used cooked and used as a celery substitute. It is best to earth up the stems as they grow in order to blanch them and reduce their bitterness, these blanched stems can then be eaten cooked or in salads. Many people find these stems to be too bitter when eaten raw. The young leaves of the cardoon herb can be used raw or cooked. The young cardoon leaves were eaten as a salad by the ancient Romans, but can be rather bitter. Finally, the cardoon root can be cooked like parsnips. Cardoon herbs have a tender, thick and fleshy, with an agreeable flavor.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5331 in Lawn & Patio
• Size: B) 400 Seeds
• Color: purple
• Brand: Outsidepride: Herb Seed

Features

• Season: Perennial
• USDA Zones: 6 - 9
• Height: 60 inches
• Bloom Color: Violet-blue
• Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per plant