Artichoke

Species name: Cynara scolymus

The artichoke is native to Southern Europe. Artichokes have long spiked leaves beginning at the base of the plant. The edible parts of the artichoke are the heart and the leafy bottoms of the bud of the plant. There are several varieties of artichoke, some of which are available year-round. Although harvesting the artichoke before the winter months will prevent frost damage to the exterior leaves of the plant, making them more pleasing aesthetically, frost damage will actually enhance its characteristic nutty flavor. Varieties of artichokes include the green globe, the desert globe, the big heart, and the imperial star.