Fast Facts about Artichoke

• The scientific name of the artichoke is Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus 
• It belongs to the Asteraceae family (family of sunflower and daisy)
• Artichoke is native to the Mediterranean countries
• Italy is the largest artichoke producer globally
• Artichoke is a perennial plant 
• There are varieties with and without thorns
• Artichoke has been studied for its health benefits
• Artichoke biomass is used for livestock feed and biofuel production.

Artichoke is a perennial plant but can also be cultivated as an annual or biennial. The plant’s scientific name is Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, and it is a member of the famous family of Asteraceae. The plant can grow up to 2 m tall (6.6 ft). It has green-silver long (50-80cm / 20-30 inches) lobed leaves growing from short stems. The flowers appear in a big head 8-15cm (3-6inch) diameter covered in bracts. The color of the flowers is purple, resembling thistle flowers. The edible part is mainly the heart (immature flower buds). Bracts and flower stems are also edible. Artichokes come in two primary types: large, round ‘Globe’ artichokes and elongated, tapered artichokes, thorny or thornless.

Hesiod and Homer mentioned artichokes as a food of the ancient Greeks, who used to call it ‘Kaktos.’ They used to eat the flowers and the leaves of the plant. Romans also used to consume artichokes (carduus). According to records, people in Carthage and Cordoba also used to cultivate artichokes. The cultivation was further improved later by the Spanish and Maghrebians. 

Nowadays, according to FAO (2016 records), the top 5 artichoke-producing countries are:

• Italy with 365,991 tons 
• Egypt with 236,314 tons
• Spain with 185,796 tons
• Peru, with 108,801 tons, and
• Argentina with 107,257 tons

Interestingly, while Italy has the largest cultivated area, other countries like Egypt, Peru, Argentina, Algeria, Morocco, USA and Turkey produce higher yields per hectare. 

References

Bekheet, S., & Sota, V. (2019). Biodiversity and medicinal uses of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) plant. Journal of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresource Management, 5(1), 39-54.

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