Description: Green, compact globe shaped “flower” with stiff leaves that have spiky tips.

Availability:  Year round with peaks in Spring and early fall

Facts: The artichoke is a perennial in the thistle group of the sunflower family and is believed to be a native of the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. The part we eat is actually an immature flower bud. Ninety-eight percent of the world's artichokes grow in California
 

Serving Size = 1  12 ounce artichoke

Selection: Choose plump heads with tightly closed leaves, heavy for size.  Pull back one leaf to check heart for black blemishes. During winter, white, blistered or bronze appearance does not affect quality.
 

Storage: Refrigerate in plastic bag up to one week. Keep dry to prevent mold growth.

Nutrition Benefits: Healthy; cholesterol free; low calorie; fat free; saturated fat free; low sodium; good source of dietary fiber; good source of vitamin C; good source of folate; good source of magnesium.

 

Pigments: chlorophyll, beta-carotene

Phytochemicals: silymarin, cynarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, inulin