Uncommon crops.......Cardoon

In a previous entry on May 4th the cardoon plant was photographed in the demonstration garden.

The photos here are from June 9th with the artichoke like spike (cynara cardunculus) beginning to bloom

To find recipe's for the cardoon you must go to the Italian chefs as the cardoon is one of the well loved vegetables of the Italians. Preparation of this vegetable seems complicated but once investigated simple.

Below are a few sites that speak about the cardoon and cooking preparations. 

http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Cardoons

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/02/seriously-italian-baked-cardoons-cardi-gratinati-recipe.html

http://www.ciaoitalia.com/seasons/20/2018/fried-cardoons