Purple artichokes are back for a fourth season
A leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., Ocean Mist Farms, has confirmed seasonal availability of its proprietary purple artichoke. The seasonal, violet-hued variety — selected for superior flavor and appearance — is back for a fourth consecutive year.
Ocean Mist Farms anticipates the heaviest production period will begin Feb. 20 and run through April 23.
Related news: Ocean Mist Farms expects abundant winter artichoke volume
For nearly 100 years, the Castroville, Calif.-based grower has cultivated artichoke varieties and developed a purple artichoke variety to complement the lineup of other Ocean Mist Farms products and traditional green artichoke varieties.
Characteristics of the purple artichokes include:
- A vibrant purple exterior that when cooked can transform into shades of green and purple.
- The look and flavor of a Mediterranean old-world variety.
- Tender, meaty leaves.
- A rich, earthy artichoke flavor.
Size 12 and 18 will be the first purple artichokes harvested at the start of the season, followed by a transition to a medium size. In additional to loose artichokes, the medium size will be packaged into the four-count Ocean Mist Farms clamshell.