Artichoke

Cynara scolymus

vegetable · prebiotic

The flower bud of a domesticated thistle, picked before it opens: we eat the heart and the fleshy base of the bracts. Cardoon is the same species. 100 g provide 5 g of fibre, including inulin, and phenolic acids.

Origin

Mediterranean basin

Season (United States)

May to September · grows in your region

Preparation

The choke is removed; small purple artichokes are eaten almost whole. Add lemon as soon as it is cut: its flesh blackens within minutes on contact with air.

Molecules

Fructans (inulin, FOS) · Phenolic acids · Insoluble fibersIn small amounts, not counted Potassium

Did you know?

Its French name comes from the Arabic ḥáršafa, via the Spanish alcachofa and then northern Italian articiocco; medieval Andalusian agronomists were already selecting large-headed varieties.