Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a species of thistle-like tender perennial in the family Asteraceae, native to Southern Europe (around the Mediterranean). Its cultivation is concentrated in the countries bordering the Mediterranean basin. The wild form of artichokes is known as cardoon. Italy, Spain, and France are the main producers of globe artichoke. In the United States, California produces almost 100% of the globe artichoke, in which Monterey County provides about 80%.
Globe artichoke, 1.4-2 m tall, has silvery, glaucous-green, deeply lobed, arching leaves, 50-82 cm long. The spiny leaves grow from the base of the stem. The stems is up to 1 m tall, branched, with large heads of purple, thistle-like flower. Globe artichoke buds are harvested before blossoming and cooked as a vegetable. Purple flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud, 8-15 cm diameter, with many triangular scales. Peak harvesting period of globe artichoke happens in spring, and continues to be harvested throughout the summer. Mid-autumn is another peak period. Globe artichoke is cut from the plant with 2-5 cm of the stem, and remains fresh for up to two weeks or longer.
The edible parts are the tender ends of the leaves and the base (or heart) of the bud. The tough outside leaves and the furry central choke and its surrounding are not to be eaten. The leaves are tender in smaller artichoke, and the hearts are bigger in larger globe artihoke.
Globe artichoke has medicinal properties, and is often recommended for gallstones, liver disease, and digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and flatulence. It helps to stimulate the flow of the bile between the liver and gall bladder to aid organ function. Globe artichoke is also a diuretic, and promotes the flow of urine and helps in the removal of toxins from the body.
Globe artichoke requires sunny position, well-drained soil with regular watering and feeding, and needs frost protection in winter. Propagation is by offsets.
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