CASTROVILLE, Calif. - (March 22, 2010) -  Artichoke lovers have reason to celebrate this spring as mid-March is the beginning of peak season in California where the country’s artichoke crop is grown.

Low in calories, artichokes are an excellent source of fiber (more than 10 grams per artichoke) and vitamin C, and a good source of folate, magnesium, and potassium.  In addition, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found artichokes have more antioxidants than all other vegetables.*

"Artichokes provide many health and nutrition benefits, and they are highly versatile offering home cooks a variety of serving options for spring and beyond," said Kori Tuggle, marketing manager at Ocean Mist Farms, the largest producer of artichokes in the country. 

To mark the start of the season, Ocean Mist debuted a new “How to Prepare and Cook Artichokes” section on its Web site, www.oceanmist.com. 

Whether you have experience with cooking artichokes or not, you will find something new on the page that covers everything about cooking with artichokes, Tuggle said.   The new online resource includes how to videos on 11 different ways to cook an artichoke. For example, after trimming the tops and tips of leaves, artichokes can be steamed, baked, grilled or cooked quickly in a microwave.

"People love artichokes for their great taste but also for the eating experience," said Tuggle. “An artichoke is great for families or friends to share.”