cynara scolymus

"...scale by scale,

we strip off

the delicacy

and eat

the peaceful mush

of its green heart..."

"we taste of that sweetness,

dismembering scale after scale.
we eat of a halcyon paste:
it is green at the artichoke"

"leaf by leaf
we unsheathe
its delights
and eat
the peaceable flesh
of its green heart"

part of pablo neruda's "ode to an artichoke", translated in different ways

trim stalks to 1cm beneath the bulb. boil upright in salted water for approx 30 minutes, or until heart is tender (you may need to re-boil to achieve this without overcooking them the first time). serve with vinaigrette or bechamel.


mona caron's amazing mural in san fransisco