Cardoon

Cynara cardunculus

vegetable · prebiotic

Long, fleshy stalks of a Mediterranean thistle, the same species as the artichoke, cooked, often as a gratin. It provides fructans.

Origin

Mediterranean

Season (United States)

October to January · grows in your region

Preparation

The strings of the ribs are removed, like celery strings, and the bitter, prickly leaves are left.

Molecules

Fructans (inulin, FOS)

Did you know?

In Geneva it is said to have been brought by Huguenot refugees in 1685 — but it was already being served there in 1566; the Geneva spiny cardoon has a protected designation of origin.