RE: when do you know it is ready?

You want to pick artichokes when the buds look fat but before the
"petals" start to open up. Sort of a judgement call at first, takes a
little practice. Since you're essentially eating an unripe flower anyway
it's okay if you pick them early.  I have seen baby ones for sale in the
markets but I'm not sure how you're supposed to eat them - you'd still
have to take out the choke I imagine.

Cyndi

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-gardenchat@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On
Behalf Of Theresa G.
Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 7:18 PM
To: gardenchat@hort.net
Subject: Re: [CHAT] when do you know it is ready?

Artichokes are perennial here.  Picked one for a friend and hope it is
ready- looked like it.
Think my loquat has a couple more days still before it is completely
ripe.  It is yellowish, but doesn't have any give when gently squeezed.

I will watch out for the  birds!!
Thanks,
Theresa
james singer wrote:
> Loquats should be their ripe color [golden]. Otherwise they lack
> sweetness and flavor. If the skin gets blemished [a few brown spots]
> in the meantime, don't worry about it. Also, they ought to be
> softish... it's okay to squeeze them gently to test; they don't
> bruise. And watch out for birds--commercial growers put paper bags on
> them to keep the birds away. Wonderful fruits when ripe, great for
> out-of-hand and tarts and pies, but they don't juice very well; skin
> must be an important contributor to the flavor.
>
> Artichokes are another matter. Don't know; never grew them. Guess I'd
> pick one when it looks like it's edible and try it. Are they a
> perennial there?
>
>
> On May 8, 2009, at 6:02 PM, Theresa G. wrote:
>
>> Help- when do I pick my loquats?  One is nicely yellowish now.
>>
>> Also- how do you know when an artichoke is ready to pick?
>>
>> T.
>>
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>
> Inland Jim
> Willamette Valley
> 44.99 N 123.04 W
> Elevation 148'
> 39.9" Precipitation
> Hardiness Zone 8/9
> Heat Zone 5
> Sunset Zone 6
> Minimum 0 F [-15 C]
> Maximum 102 F [39 C]
>
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