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Artichokes, the sweet flesh of the dense petal-leaved flower bud of a thistle plant (Cynara scolymus, a member of the Asteraceae family) are eaten in both their raw and cooked states. The buds form on tall stalks with the primary globe developing at the top of each stalk and secondary buds appearing on the lower part. The very smallest buds that form on the lower part of the plant are most often sold as baby artichokes or processed for commercial use. The stalk may also be peeled and eaten.