Artichoke

The Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a perennial, thistle-like plant, originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows with arching, deeply lobed, silvery glucose-green leaves 50-80 cm long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of inedible immature florets in the center of the bud are called the "choke."

Cooking

Whole Globe Artichokes are prepared for cooking by removing all but a small portion or so of the stem, and (optionally) cutting away about a quarter of each scale with scissors. This removes the thorns that can interfere with handling the leaves when eating. Then, the artichoke is boiled or steamed until tender, about 15-45 minutes. If boiling, salt can be added to the water, if desired. It may be preferable not to cover the pot while the artichokes are boiled, so that the acids will boil out into the air. Covered artichokes can turn brown due to the acids and chlorophyll oxidation.

Eating

After cooking, the large leathery scales forming a tight rosette are pulled off one by one, and their soft, inner basal part (usually) dipped in some kind of sauce, perhaps butter and lemon, mayonnaise or vinaigrette. The dipped soft part is then pulled off with the teeth and all the rest of the leaf discarded. The fleshy, edible part is found by many to be delicious, but quite sparse in proportion to that which is discarded.

This process continues until most of the leaves have been removed and the remaining ones are too small and delicate to bother with eating. This point is difficult to judge and the novice artichoke eater may wish to seek guidance by discreetly watching a companion. Finally, a knife is used to remove the thistle or choke (the immature florets), the whole top layer of delicate feathery growth crowning the heart. It is this central top of the stem supporting the rosette that is sold cut up, pickled and bottled as "artichoke hearts".

The thistle part is fibrous and unpleasant to eat, and has a way of getting everywhere when it is cut away from the heart. Therefore, it is wise to cut some of the edible heart away and discard it along with the thistle to avoid making a mess. It may be easier to remove by pushing it off the heart with a finger than cutting out.

Globe Artichokes can be harvested while still small, cooked, and eaten whole. Boiled Globe Artichokes can be deep fried in batter. Smaller artichokes can be quartered, tossed with oil, and roasted. Immature artichokes can also be pickled or canned. Globe Artichokes may also be used to flavor liqueur.

Artichokes have also been referred to as a sommelier's nightmare, as consumption creates a sweet taste in the mouth that interacts with other foods and beverages, including wine.

• How to grow your own vegetables