Globe Artichoke
Did you know the globe artichoke isn’t actually a vegetable—but an edible flower bud? Before it blooms into a stunning purple thistle, it’s harvested and steamed, grilled, or stuffed into Mediterranean dishes. Artichokes belong to the daisy or sunflower family (Asteraceae), a botanical group that also includes culinary favorites like lettuce, chicory, sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, and safflower.
Artichokes were cultivated as early as the 8th century BCE by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They were considered a luxury and aphrodisiac—so prized, in fact, that Catherine de Medici helped introduce them to France. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the artichoke became so iconic in California agriculture that Marilyn Monroe was crowned the first official Artichoke Queen in Castroville, now dubbed the “Artichoke Capital of the World.”
Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and flavor, artichokes offer more than just culinary charm. They’re one of the top antioxidant-rich veggies on the planet and may help support liver health, digestion, and heart health. The entire plant is a pollinator magnet—bees and butterflies adore the large, nectar-rich blooms.
What about the choke? That fuzzy center inside the bud must be removed before eating the heart—but don’t worry, once you try it, you’ll know it’s worth it. And yes, even the stems can be peeled and enjoyed!
Whether grown for flavor or flair, globe artichokes are a fascinating, multi-talented plant—beautiful in the garden, beneficial for your health, and full of history.
