Learn from A to Z about Da Lat artichokes

1Some details about Da Lat artichoke flowers

1.1. General information about Da Lat artichoke flowers

The artichoke flower’s scientific name is Cynara Scolynus Lour, brought to Vietnam by the French around the 40s of the 20th century. Artichoke flowers are present in many provinces and cities, but are most suitable for the climate and soil of Da Lat. This flower variety grows quickly in the cool temperate climate, gradually becoming a symbol of Da Lat.

Da Lat artichoke is a type of flower but is considered more of a vegetable by many people because it has many great uses and is suitable for food. Artichoke has a cool nature, is a herb with a sweet and slightly bitter taste, and has many nutrients that are good for the human body. The most common way to use artichoke flowers is as a tea and as an ingredient in some dishes.

Artichoke plants can grow up to 1.5 – 2 meters tall when mature. The leaves are also very long, from 50 to 80cm. The leaves are egg-shaped, the leaf edges are serrated, and the flowers bloom at the intersection between the leaves and the stem, without flower stalks. Artichoke flowers have purple seeds, the corolla is pink yellow or purple. Rough hairs and red sepals surround the fruit.

Harvesting artichokes must be done at the right time when the flowers are large enough and still young. This way you will be able to eat delicious food and prepare many different dishes. If the flowers are too old and the buds are large, the fruit inside will harden like wood and will only taste bitter.

Around autumn, when the sepals are soft, fresh and red, the harvest time is about 15 to 20 days for Da Lat. In addition, here, artichoke trees are also planted in large areas in the valley, attracting a large number of tourists to visit and explore Da Lat. Therefore, this flower has created economic values. very large for Da Lat city, creating a unique symbol for the city.

See more: How to choose delicious, greasy Da Lat butter

1.2. Types of Da Lat artichoke flowers

Artichoke flowers in Da Lat are divided into two types: pointed flowers and round flowers.

The pointed flower artichoke has long wings pointing outward, usually quite dark purple, thin wings and little rice. This type has a bitter taste, suitable for making tea or drying.

Large, round artichokes have wings facing inward, forming large, very round buds. When the flower is young, the petals are green. When ripe, the leaf base will gradually turn purple. This type is commonly used for cooking because it has thick rice, a mild bitter taste, is easy to eat, and is very refreshing and nutritious for the body.

Da Lat artichoke can not only eat the flowers but also the roots, stems, and leaves. These parts are often dried to create cooling and detoxifying tea bags. Inflorescences are often used as a vegetable dish, containing high levels of protein, lipid, glucid…

2Visit Da Lat artichoke garden

Artichoke flowering time ranges from July to October every year. The lovely, gentle purple color makes Da Lat even more dreamy and romantic. Artichoke flowers do not have outstanding beauty, but they carry a characteristic shyness. Therefore, besides visiting sunflower, hydrangea, and lavender growing areas, many tourists still choose to visit the artichoke garden, saving sweet moments here.

See more: Get lost in a fairyland with Lavender Da Lat tourist area

2.1. Artichoke flower valley on Me Linh street

The flower valley on Me Linh street with an area of ​​more than 4,000 m2 is covered with immense green. The artichoke trees grow close together, with round flower buds rising from the leaf axils. In the ripe flower season, the flower buds will gradually turn sweet purple, not purple like a lavender field, but a pale purple color, gently touching people’s hearts.

The aroma of artichoke is very unique, a strong smell mixed with gentle grass. This scent reminds you of the scent of the mountains and forests, making our mood more relaxed and lighter

The valley is large with many virtual living corners suitable for young people who are passionate about checking in. Visitors can visit the garden for free, but be careful not to litter or damage the landscape here.

2.2. Artichoke valley next to Than Tho lake

Next to the quiet Than Tho Lake is the artichoke flower valley, each blooming season makes tourists crazy, flocking here. The valley is submerged in a cool green color, but the large flowers blooming in the gentle sunlight of Da Lat move people’s hearts even more.

Coming to the artichoke flowers next to Than Tho lake, visitors will feel like they are lost in a fairyland when one side is lush green to the horizon, the other side is the cool blue of the gentle lake surface. Here visitors can find a cafe, order a cup of artichoke tea and watch the sunset on the lake, feeling the gentle end of the day.

3Health benefits of Da Lat artichoke flowers

The artichoke plant is a medicinal herb that has been thoroughly used by the people of Da Lat, its flavor is used for tourism, and each part of the plant creates delicious dishes and valuable remedies.

Artichoke flowers have the effect of enhancing gallbladder, stabilizing and helping the liver detoxify, purify the body, cool the liver, nourish the kidneys, prevent atherosclerosis, lower cholesterol… With normal health, use about 5 servings a day. Up to 10 grams of artichoke flowers will be good for your health, helping to prevent many dangerous diseases.

In oriental medicine, artichoke flowers are processed into stomach pain remedies, good for the digestive system, effective for people with diabetes, rheumatism, physical weakness, and breastfeeding women with little milk. … Artichoke flowers can be used as oriental medicine or used fresh to cook into soups or tea is also a suggestion.

Teas from Da Lat artichoke flowers are very popular with tourists because of their delicious, cool taste, purifying and detoxifying, beautifying the skin and body. Therefore, this is a gift that many people choose to bring back from Da Lat to relatives and friends. Visitors can buy tea at specialty stores, or directly at artichoke gardens.

4Artichoke flower selling price in Da Lat

Walking around the streets of Da Lat, visitors will easily see stalls and carts filled with chubby artichoke flower buds. The selling price of this type of flower varies depending on the time of year, on average between 100,000 and 200,000 VND per kilogram of fresh flowers and 50,000 VND/kg of dry leaves, 200,000 VND/kg of dried roots, 100,000 VND. /kg dry stem. However, in the off-season, when the supply is not enough, Da Lat artichoke flowers can cost up to 500,000 VND/kg. So you can consider the time of year, during the blooming season the prices will always be much more favorable.

Above is detailed information about Da Lat artichoke flowers that Vietnamtravelio wants to send to tourists. Please try dishes made from this flower once to fully experience the delicious flavor.