Marchfeld Artichokes

Johannes and Helene Theuringer farm 100 ha of land with their son Johannes and their daughter Stephanie.

The Theuringers sell produce directly at their farm in Raasdorf in Marchfeld (open from July to September). They offer rare varieties of tomatoes, sweet peppers and chili-peppers, various types of eggplant, mini cucumbers (melothria), ground cherries and physalis. The family also sells its produce in front of the STAUD Pavilion at Yppenmarkt 63 in Vienna's 16th district on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon.

Artichokes are another fine vegetable that can be purchased at the Theuringers and that makes their farm so special. The idea of offering fresh, top-quality artichokes on the Austrian market originated from a hobby. The family liked experimenting with types of vegetables that are rare, forgotten or not well known in Austria. Artichokes caught on quickly and were soon shifted from the garden to the fields. The amount of land devoted to their cultivation grew a little larger every year. Today the Theuringers have about 4 ha in artichokes -- or about 17,000 plants. They send artichokes in the desired grade to any address in Austria for orders of 5 kg or more.

The family grows varieties suitable to the Austrian climate. They are annual, in other words, new plants have to be planted every year. Planting is done manually from late April to mid-May. Harvesting is also done by hand, with the artichokes being divided into four sizes right in the field. Artichoke season begins from the middle to the end of July depending on the weather. Theoretically harvesting could continue until the first frost but it is usually stopped in early to mid-October to comply with tough quality criteria.

Stephanie Theuringer has a tip on storing artichokes. Store them in a cool place covered by a damp dish towel if possible.