Ocean Mists explains how to cook and eat artichokes

CASTROVILLE, Calif. - 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