The Montelupone Artichoke celebration: ode to an elixir of life

Everybody knows it is a good habit to have a lot of vegetables in one’s diet.

While on the phone with an Italian friend of mine, she was telling she only eats seasonal veggies. I actually never thought about greens as super “antioxidant” food and their power to prevent illness.

To me, veggies have always been a delicious side dish, low in calories and able to provide a sense of fullness and the corresponding reduction of hunger: the perfect combo to keep you fit!:-) However I never really thought trough other vegetable properties.

My friend told about her conversations with some local farmers, who explained to her that if we would follow some simple rules and eat some particular food on a daily basis, we would be able to avoid many drugs.

For instance, did you know that artichoke can be a weapon to fight cancer?

In their Health & Wellness section online the news magazine ANSA.it (Italian Associated Press) , describes the artichoke as a possible treatment against mesothelioma, a major form of asbestos-related cancer affecting about 2,000 people every year.

In addition to that, artichokes contain phytonutrients (“fight-o-nutrients”), or plant compounds that have antioxidant properties and promote general human health. They also boost the immune system and lower cholesterol.

Photo credit: Il Carciofo di Montelupone

Artichokes are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that increase health and wellbeing, making them incredible defenders against cancer, aging, heart disease, and illness.

As you know, I travelled back to Italy during the Easter holidays. I then decided to stay longer in order to visit the Montelupone Artichoke Festival.

I’ve planned to go and visit this beautiful old Medieval village in the province of Macerata and also to enjoy the vibes of the event which are totally unique and and nowhere else in the world can be experienced.

Airview of the Montelupone town
Photo credit: Comune di Montelupone

Crossing the village with its romantic alleys leading to the central square where you can enjoy the beautiful Podestà Palace, the Civic Tower and the historic theater ‘Nicola degli Angeli’ while music and performances entertain all around and create a cheerful background to the food festival.

‘La Piazza’ (the Square) in the middle of the old town of Montelupone, where the Artichoke festival takes place every year
Photo credit: Il Carciofo di Montelupone

A magnificent art and history surroundings for an event that calls thousands of visitors from all over Le Marche, looking for the tasty offer of gourmet delicacies and for the folklore of a celebration that is always much loved.

Each food vendor offers a wide variety of dishes and the Montelupone Artichoke is the main ingredient for all of them, ranging from appetizers, to main and side dishes, as well as deserts and even ice cream.

Just a few irresistibile receipe with artichoke as main ingredient…
Photo credit: Il Carciofo di Montelupone

Veggie ‘Carbonara’ pasta
Photo credit: Il Carciofo di Montelupone

Seafood and artichoke: a really nice match
Photo credit: Il Carciofo di Montelupone

If you are curious to taste real delicacies, don’t miss the Montelupone Artichoke Festival on May 6th and 7th, 2017!

The supergreen hills where the local farmer grow the artichokes in Montelupone area
Photo credit: Il Carciofo di Montelupone

Special thanks go to the Montelupone artichoke producers’ network and to the Montelupone Municipality. For more information, please visit: http://www.carciofodimontelupone.it