Artichokes are very healthy not only for humans but also for our furry friends. They are packed with vitamin C, B6, and Potassium. When cooked properly, it’s a delicious treat.
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Nutrient Content:
On average, one artichoke weights around 500g. It is high in Potassium, Fiber, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Copper, Folate and Niacin. It is high in fiber and provides protective Prebiotics. In addition, antioxidants in Artichokes work very beneficially for Liver Health.
Health Benefits for Dogs:
Due to its high Fiber content, raw or boiled artichokes can be feed to your furry friends (but of course, in moderations) and are very beneficial for the gut health. It supports their immune system, muscles, metabolism, and even helps the dogs with IB (irritable bowel).
Remember that like with humans, you can feed your dog the hearts of Artichokes only. Remove all the hard leaves, clean the inside from the white soft seeds, cut into small pieces or stripes, and let your dog enjoy it as a treat or as a food topping.
Health Benefits for Parrots:
Raw or cooked artichokes are a great source of Vitamin C and Fiber for your feathery family members. For parrots, artichokes can be introduced completely raw.
For the smaller parrots, its better to cut of the hard upper part of pointy leaves and maybe cut the rest into 4 parts. That way it will be easier for your smaller parrots to eat it.
As for bigger parrots, you can give the whole bulb on the stem with leaves on. The outer lever will be more like a toy for your parrot before they get to the soft nutty heart of the plant.
Tasty Recipe for Humans:
The best way to enjoy Artichokes are of course raw. In that way we can get all the important nutritions and get maximum of health benefits. Here is how to make a simple Artichoke Carpaccio:
– 2 violet artichokes
– 2 lemons
– parmesan
– olive oil
– kosher salt
Before cutting artichokes, prepare a medium size bowl with icy called water. Add the juice of one whole lemon. This will help to stop oxidation process and darkening of our artichokes.
Peel off the outer rough leaves, cut off about 50% of the upper level of the leaves, clean off the bottom of the bulb (see the photo)
Then cut in 4 parts and throw in a bowl of water with lemon that your prepared earlier. When you have it, you can start removing the inside part of the flower (white seeds and pink inner leaves, they are pointy and rough). Keep cleaned parts in the same bowl of water.
Add juice of one more lemon in a separate clean bowl (this is where you will be mixing your carpaccio), and slice ready artichokes in there. Add a pinch of salt, mix well and add olive oil (you can use as much olive oil as you like). Put on a serving plate and cover with parmesan shavings.
Enjoy right away.
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