Artichokes

Guide Note

The artichoke is a thistle plant native to the Mediterranean. Artichokes grow in the wild in southern Europe and are grown in the United States on artichoke farms. There are several artichoke farms in California.

The leaves come up from the base and are long and somewhat spiny. The stem grows up to three feet high and branches off with large heads that are violet or white. A thistle type flower grows at the summit of the branches. The heart and leaves of the immature flower are the parts we eat.

When selecting an artichoke, choose the ones that have tight leaves and are dark green. If the leaves are to far open then the artichoke is past its prime.

Fast Facts

1. Scientific name: Cynara cardunculus
2. Root part edible
3. Brought to California 1600s
4. Marilyn Monroe crowned artichoke queen in 1948
5. Leaves closest to the heart are most tender
6. Store in a plastic bag unwashed and do not refrigerate
7. Species of thistle
8. Six months to grow for harvest
9. Cook within 5 to 7 days after purchase
10. Can be produced from seeds
11. Can also be made into an herbal tea
12. Primary flavor of the Italian liquor Cynar
13. Can grow many places
14. First developed in Sicily, Italy
15. Did not become widely used in California until the 1920s
16. Many varieties each with a slightly different taste
17. Can be cooked many different ways