NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY
On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish.
#ArtichokeHeartsDay
According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin. Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!
- The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
- The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable.
- California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.
While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!
HOW TO OBSERVE ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY
- Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes.
- Test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones.
- We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.
- Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
- Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
- Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
- Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
- Warm up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
- Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
- Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.
- Use #ArtichokeHeartsDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this food holiday.
Artichoke Hearts FAQ
Q. Do artichoke hearts come canned?
A. Yes. Artichoke hearts can be canned or jarred.
Q. Can I put artichoke hearts on a salad?
A. Yes. Artichoke hearts are a delicious addition to salads.
Q. How many calories are in an artichoke heart?
A. One 13.75 ounce can of artichoke hearts has 140 calories.
March 16th Celebrated History
1802
President Thomas Jefferson signs the Military Peace Establishment Act establishing the Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Military Academy known as West Point.
1827
Editors Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm publish the first issue of Freedom’s Journal in New York City. The newspaper is the first in the United States owned and operated by African Americans.
1850
Ticknor, Reed & Fields publishes Nathaniel Hawthorn’s historical fiction set in colonial America, The Scarlet Letter.
1926
It is rocket science. Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket in the United States. The launch took place in a field in Auburn, Massachusetts. Goddard’s experiment led to modern rocket propulsion that makes space flight possible, and that’s why NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland is named in his honor.
March 16th Celebrated History
James Madison – 1751
Considered the “Father of the Constitution,” James Madison served two terms from 1809 to 1817. During his terms, tensions between the French and British increased over trade. By 1812, the country was at war, one that destroyed the wreaked havoc on the new capital for most of Madison’s second term.
Rebecca Cole – 1846
Dr. Rebecca Cole, the second African American woman to earn her medical degree, graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1867. She gained further experience at the Infirmary for Woman and Children in New York, established by Elizabeth Blackwell. Cole’s career would span 50 years, serving as an advocate and a champion for her community.
Jurgis Bielinis – 1846
Between 1864 and 1904, Tsarist Russian ruled most of Lithuania. When the government attempted to eradicate the Lithuanian language and instituted a press ban to force Lithuanians to assimilate to the Russian language, Jurgis Bielinis and others like him stepped in. Bielinis organized a network of smugglers who brought books, newspapers, and other periodicals in the Lithuanian language across the border. Today, Lithuania celebrates March 16th as the Day of the Book Smugglers in his honor.
Patricia Ryan Nixon – 1912
The 39th First Lady took on the role when Richard Nixon took the oath of office on January 20, 1969. She is in good company as the fourth of six educators among the first ladies.
Jerry Lewis – 1926
“The King of Comedy” kept audiences laughing for more than eight decades. In the 1950s, Lewis began raising money for muscular dystrophy. The event grew into an annual televised event known as the MDA Labor Day Telethon. He hosted the televised event for 44 years.
Vladimir Komarov – 1927
In October 1964, the Soviet test pilot and cosmonaut commanded the first spaceflight to carry multiple crew members, the Voskhod 1. Komarov died tragically on April 24, 1967, during his second mission aboard the Soyuz 1 upon re-entry when the spacecraft’s parachute failed to deploy. He is the first casualty of space exploration.
C Vivian Stringer – 1948
For more than a quarter of a century, C. Vivian Stringer made 17 NCAA Tournament visits as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Women’s Basketball head coach.
Notable Mentions
Louise McPhetridge von Thaden – 1929
Carol O’Brien Sobieski – 1939
Chuck Woolery – 1941
Erik Estrada – 1949
Alice Hoffman – 1952
Michael J. Bloomfield – 1959
William Jonathan Drayton Jr – 1959
