Vegetable
Cynara scolymus
S tier
Cynara scolymus is the globe artichoke—immature flower buds of a thistle relative with fleshy bract bases and a tender heart above a fuzzy choke. Flavour is nutty, mineral, and uniquely “artichoke” with polyphenol astringency that sweetens when cooked. Leaves of the plant are bitter medicinal; the culinary part is the bud. Steam, grill, stuff, or confit hearts. Species covers all globe artichoke cultivars here. Rub cut surfaces with lemon to slow browning.
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History
Mediterranean peoples selected large edible thistle buds into cultivated artichokes.
Italian Renaissance gardens refined globe artichoke culture.
French courts elevated artichokes into haute cuisine.
California coastal fields made US commercial artichoke supply possible.