Artichokes

Artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are a nutrient-rich thistle plant native to the Mediterranean, valued for both culinary and medicinal uses. Here’s a detailed overview of their benefits, uses, and precautions:

Product Overview
Egypt Overseas delivers premium globe artichokes cultivated in Egypt’s Nile Delta. Our artichokes feature tight globes, meaty bracts, and tender hearts – ideal for European supermarkets, specialty food distributors, and preserved vegetable processors. With 45 years of expertise, we implement rapid field-to-cooling protocols to preserve quality and extend shelf life for winter/spring markets.

Origin & Varieties
Origin: Nile Delta, Egypt (alluvial soil, controlled irrigation)
Main Varieties:

• Green Globe: Classic round head, dense heart

• Imperial Star: Spineless, uniform sizing

• Violet de Provence: Purple variety, gourmet segment
  Season: December – April (Peak: February-March)

Product Specifications

• Head Size: 8-10cm (medium), 10-12cm (jumbo)

• Head Weight: 250-400g

• Bract Formation: Tight, compact (>80% closed head)

• Stem Length: 5-8cm with clean cut

• Color: Deep green (Green Globe) or purple (Violet)

Quality Metrics

• Heart Ratio: ≥15% of total weight

• Defect Tolerance: ≤3% blemishes

• Shelf Life: 21-28 days at 0-2°C

• Firmness: >40 N compression test

• Choke Development: Immature (minimal fuzz)

Product Forms

• Whole trimmed heads

• Fresh-cut hearts (acidulated)

• Quartered for food service

• Bulk field-packed
  (Custom trimming available)

Packing Options

• Retail Ready: 4-head cartons

• Food Service: 10kg waxed boxes

• Export Standard: Telescopic cartons (6kg)

• Heart Packs: 2kg vacuum bags

• Private Label: Custom packaging (MOQ 1,000 units)

 

Did You Know? The name “artichoke” evolved from Arabic al-kharshūfa via Italian articiocco, later influenced by folk etymology (e.g., “heart-choke”) due to its thorny choke