KRAZAVEC – is an aromatic and nutritious artichoke standing 90 to 110 cm tall, with weak branching, large leaves that are pinnate and toothed at the edges. The leaves are grayish-green on top, lighter underneath, slightly hairy, and covered with small prickles along the edges. The inflorescences are large, tightly packed with bracts, and colored green; the mass of one inflorescence ranges from 70 to 120 grams. The fleshy part of the inflorescences has tender pulp and a pleasant taste, resembling immature hazelnuts.
The growing period from full germination to technical maturity is 160–165 days. In the first year, each plant forms 4–6 inflorescences, and in the second year, 10–12. To obtain high-quality plants, fertile soil and careful care are required: loosening the soil, removing weeds, and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. Irrigation is primarily carried out during drought.
Growing begins with sowing seeds for seedlings in late February to early March. Seeds are pre-soaked for 10–40 hours and germinated in warmth (5–6 days). After seedlings appear, they are stratified at a temperature of 1–2 °C for 25–30 days, then sown in trays with soil, manure, and sand. When the first true leaf appears, the plants are transplanted into pots with a diameter of 10 cm, where they grow until they have 4–5 leaves. They are transplanted into open ground in late May, when the threat of frost has passed.
Krazavec is a dietary product and delicacy, valued for its high content of protein, vitamins, inulin, magnesium, and potassium. The inflorescences are used as food both fresh and cooked, canned; they can be added to salads, fried, or steamed. Regular consumption helps maintain liver health and prevents atherosclerosis.
