Artichoke

The Artichoke is one of the most visually interesting, unique and tasty edible plants on the planet. But the whole plant isn’t edible. The part that we are all familiar with is the edible flower that is harvested before it blooms. The flowers of this plant develop into a large head, forming an edible bud ranging between 3-6 inches in diameter. Worldwide there are more than 50 unique varieties of artichokes, each possessing a distinctly nutty and gently sweet flavor that is a favorite among French, Italian and Spanish dishes. Prime times of the year for shopping for artichokes include spring and fall when the plant “peaks”. When shopping for artichokes, look for vibrant color and tightly closed buds, as well as a heavy and firm feel in hand.