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Mediterranean thistlelike plant widely cultivated for its large
edible flower head.
There are two well-known varieties. Jerusalem and globe artichokes
which are really quite different vegetables in terms of appearance,
texture and preparation, although there are subtle taste similarities
- hence the similar naming.
Jerusalem artichokes are tuber vegetables which look a little bit
like knobbly potatoes. They are thought to be native of North America
and were eaten and probably first cultivated by South American Indians.
They are a species of sunflower.
Globe artichokes have always been considered a delicacy. They have
been grown in Southern Europe for many centuries. The part that
is eaten is the immature flower bud before the flower appears while
it consists of overlapping green/ purple scales.
- see our Artichoke recipes - Cynara
scolymus |
