Cotton thistle

Onopordum acanthium

vegetable

The fleshy receptacle of a large thistle, cooked like a small artichoke, and peeled stems.

Origin

Europe and the Mediterranean

Where to find it

On waste ground, roadsides and dry pastures, where it often grows taller than two meters.

Season (United States)

June to August

Preparation

Spines removed with a knife.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

It is called “donkey thistle”: donkeys are the only ones to graze it.