Nature takes care of us like a good mother and gives us priceless gifts that we often don’t know how to appreciate. The same is the case with amazing vegetables that are a great resource in the kitchen and a source of health in terms of nutrients. We could mention many of these foods, but this time we are going to focus on them White thistle.
Due to its taste and texture, this vegetable has managed to conquer lovers of good food, as it produces dishes with very rich flavor with very few calories and many interesting nutrients. This is why white thistle should be taken into consideration, especially if you like to eat healthy and well.
White thistle a Edible thistle Full of virtues, his Features Their Benefits And How to cook.
Where is white thistle grown?
They Cynara cardunculus or white thistle It originated in the Mediterranean region, although over time its cultivation has spread throughout Europe and even to other parts of the world, thanks to its ability to survive in a variety of soils and climates. It’s easy. In particular, given its resistance, it has been a highly valued vegetable since ancient times, as it already served as food in times of scarcity. We can say that white thistle has satisfied a lot of hunger and has served as food for many families when there was nothing else to fill the stomach and the dishes.
But what interests us? White thistle Not only is it used as food, but it is also Medicinal properties. This explains it. Greek and Roman. They will try hard to take care of him. Cynara cardunculus.
What are the characteristics of this wild thistle?
They White thistle It is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family characterized by a Evergreen variety, large in size, lobed in shape and grey-green in colour. It is amazing that the leaves grow directly from the ground and the height of the plant can exceed one meter.
Its flowers are also large, spherical in shape and purple in color and sometimes white.
If you want to find a thistle in the wild, look closely. Areas with rocky slopes the roadsides and forests, without a building, because it is in places where the edible thistle usually grows. While you don’t have to go out and collect thistle yourself, unless you fancy the adventure, you can grow it yourself or buy it from the garden in stores.
What do you need to grow white thistle?
You don’t need much. Grow white thistle.. Just a piece of land that has soil. Good drainage And much better if it has a certain acidity. As for light, it can tolerate partial shade, although thistle prefers it.
It is best sown in spring to avoid frost, which it does not tolerate well. And so on Collection time Of the white thistle It will be about four months later, between the end of summer and autumn.
What diseases commonly affect edible thistle?
Although it is a resistant plant, it does not mean that it cannot be affected by pests or diseases White thistle. The most common are black donut, aphid and powdery mildew fungi.
The first is a caterpillar that emerges at night and feeds on its leaves. You will need to use an environmental pesticide to eliminate it.
You can avoid aphids if you avoid excessive exposure, as it appears due to moisture. Although this usually occurs if the fertilizer contains too much nitrogen. Garlic extract can repel it and potassium soap will also help you scare it away.
If you see brown spots on thistle, it is probably a powdery mildew fungus. Cut off the parts where you find them and make sure the plant has good air circulation.
What are the properties and benefits of white thistle?
As we said at the beginning, white thistle is rich in nutrients, including vitamins C, K, potassium, calcium and fiber.
between The benefits that thistle brings to our health. They are that it is a very food. Easily digestiblewith Antioxidant propertiesThey Strengthens the immune system And bones.
As is the accompanying vegetable. High water content it is light and Helps to clean. Important organs like Liver and gallbladder.
How do you cook white thistle?
Considering how interesting this dish is, we have no choice but to teach you how to cook it. There are many options, from preparing it to eat with béchamel, to eating it in stews, roasts and stir-fries for the lighter ones. For example, stir-fry with garlic and lemon is delicious and very low in calories, making it an acceptable palatable for those looking to lose weight.
The taste of the white thistle stem is said to be very reminiscent of the taste of the artichoke, soft and delicate.
Medicinal uses of white thistle
After watching Properties of White Thistle You must already imagine why it was used for medicinal purposes. They are theirs. Digestive and cleansing properties A real treasure that has turned this vegetable into an admirable medicinal resource. Stimulates appetiteAs Stomach tonic And to help as Diuretic In those with fluid retention.
All this we can tell you. White thistle as edible thistle, a vegetable that you can grow if you have the land for it, or collect from the field, if you have a passion for it. Because keeping it in your pantry will be good for you to prepare varied, healthy and delicious dishes. Additionally, it never hurts to know that it also has medicinal uses for which it has been used since ancient times and which can help improve your health today.