Ocean Mist seeks to educate shoppers about 'frost kissed' artichokes
Ocean Mist seeks to educate shoppers about 'frost kissed' artichokes
As a result of the recent widespread frosts throughout the growing regions of California, highly flavorful artichokes known as "frost kissed" artichokes are now in stores for a short time.
"The impact of frost on artichokes is similar to how human skin reacts to sunburn," Kori Tuggle, marketing manager for Ocean Mist Farms, said in a press release. "Frost turns the outside layer of the artichoke dark brown, and then it flakes and peels."
Once cooked, the brown outer layer is gone, resulting in the soft green artichoke that is familiar to people.
"Frosting is strictly a cosmetic condition," Ms. Tuggle said. "While the brownish color may not look pretty, frost kissed artichokes actually taste wonderful. The cold weather concentrates the natural artichoke flavors into an intense, nutty flavor."
Because frost kissed artichokes look different than green artichokes, Ocean Mist Farms is implementing a culinary education program to teach shoppers about how good they taste.
The company posted information on its web site (www.oceanmist.com) with pictures and recipes and is sending that information to all members of its "Artichoke Aficionados" club. It is also sending display cards to the retail customers who are stocking frost kissed artichokes in their stores the new few weeks.
"A frost kissed artichoke is a very unique item that we don't have every season," Ms. Tuggle added. "Because they are so seasonal, we have to teach shoppers to look for them and be sure to buy them during the short time they are in the stores."
"The impact of frost on artichokes is similar to how human skin reacts to sunburn," Kori Tuggle, marketing manager for Ocean Mist Farms, said in a press release. "Frost turns the outside layer of the artichoke dark brown, and then it flakes and peels."
Once cooked, the brown outer layer is gone, resulting in the soft green artichoke that is familiar to people.
"Frosting is strictly a cosmetic condition," Ms. Tuggle said. "While the brownish color may not look pretty, frost kissed artichokes actually taste wonderful. The cold weather concentrates the natural artichoke flavors into an intense, nutty flavor."
Because frost kissed artichokes look different than green artichokes, Ocean Mist Farms is implementing a culinary education program to teach shoppers about how good they taste.
The company posted information on its web site (www.oceanmist.com) with pictures and recipes and is sending that information to all members of its "Artichoke Aficionados" club. It is also sending display cards to the retail customers who are stocking frost kissed artichokes in their stores the new few weeks.
"A frost kissed artichoke is a very unique item that we don't have every season," Ms. Tuggle added. "Because they are so seasonal, we have to teach shoppers to look for them and be sure to buy them during the short time they are in the stores."
