CASTROVILLE, CA - Frost-Kissed® artichokes are back for a limited time, bringing an exciting flair to the category. The exclusive variety from Ocean Mist® Farms is currently being harvested out of the grower’s southern growing region in Coachella, California, and is now shipping.
“The browning of the exterior petals of the artichoke in no way affects the eatability or quality of the artichoke, and, in fact, seals in the flavor which has a distinctive nuttier flavor that many consumers prefer,” said Senior Director of Marketing Mark Munger. “These unique artichokes with their nutty flavor are only offered by Ocean Mist Farms, and are only available on a limited basis after a frost occurs in our winter desert growing region.”
The specialty artichokes will be intermittently available throughout the winter.
According to a press release, special petal inserts have been developed to help educate the consumer about the unique condition of the artichokes—which are created naturally after enduring a frost that occurs when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below, causing the artichokes’ skin to darken.
“Frost-Kissed artichokes are truly a specialty item and the very definition of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’” commented Bobby Bellew, Director of Farming. “The brown outer layer is strictly cosmetic—similar to a sunburn—and peels off once cooked, resulting in a green (cooked) artichoke that consumers are familiar with.”
“In the winter of 2022–2023, there were no frosts, so no Frost-Kissed artichokes found their way into the marketplace, much to the disappointment of many artichoke aficionados,” Bellow continued. “As much as frosts can be destructive to vegetation and farming, sometimes Mother Nature produces something truly amazing from what many consider to be an unfortunate weather condition.”
To help educate consumers on the unique features of Frost-Kissed artichokes, Ocean Mist Farms has developed point-of-sale (POS) materials for retailers, which can be ordered here.
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