Folklore, fast facts and links for aficionados of the artichoke, cynara scolymus.

Forerunners of the artichoke plant, the Cardoon, have been found in archaeological ruins dating back many centuries, which prompts some to call this vegetable one of the oldest foods of man.

There are a number of varieties of artichokes. The Jerusalem Artichoke is not from the Holy Land and is really a member of the sunflower family, native to North America. Their Indian name was "sun roots" and the pilgrims included them as a staple food.

The French explorer, Champlain, sent the vegetable to Europe and it spread to Italy and Germany in the mid-1600's. The Italian word for sunflower is "girasole" and usage changed it to what we now call the "Jerusalem" artichoke.

A member of the thistle family, the Globe artichoke is the authentic, leafy vegetable. It's also called the green artichoke or the French artichoke, although the word "artichoke" is derived from the northern Italian word "articiocco," referring to its pine cone shape.

Baroda Farms currently grows five commercial varieties of artichokes.

Lyon - The Lyon is a very round, very large green artichoke. It features tight, compact leaves or bracts, and is very heavy. The bracts are very thick, tender and meaty. The flavor is very mild with out the bitterness some artichoke varieties can have.

The Lyon comes from an extensive breeding program in Southern France. It is best prepared steamed or boiled, but it can also be stuffed and baked or even marinated raw. It is available as a conventional pack or the wonderful long stem that makes an impressive plate presentation.

Fiesole - The sizing of the Fiesole can run from babies to large and the color is very deep red wine color. It is so red as to appear purple or violet. It is square or blocky shape. It is tender and has a "nutty" flavor.

This artichoke is related to the famous Violettos of Southern France and Tuscany. The name comes from a small town north of Florence. It is available as a baby, which is very special. It is best used steamed or boiled (it keeps its color!) or trimmed and sauteed. This is also available as a long stem. It is so pretty that some use it ornamentally and then consume it.

Anzio - Ranging in size from medium to large, these red artichokes are not as red as the Fiesole, nor as large as the Lyon. This artichoke is related to the famous Romanesco variety from the region of Rome (Lazio). It is the prime ingredient of Carciofi alla Romana or Carciofi alla Guideca. It can be steamed or boiled, but traditionally it is stuffed and baked.

Campania - The Campania is a large red artichoke. Redder than the Anzio, but not quite as red as the Fiesole. It is the world's largest red artichoke as some have been harvested that weigh over 2 pounds. Like the Lyon, it also comes from extensive breeding program in Southern France and its usage is similar to the Lyon.

Big Heart - This is a large green variety and has a slightly blocky shape with a fairly flat top. This is the world's first patented artichoke seed and was developed in California by Rusty Jordan with supervision of Dole Vegetables. It has been grown from southern California to the Salinas valley. It is available in the long stem package also. It is sold exclusively by Dole Vegetables.

Louisiana and California are the major areas in the US where the plant is grown as a perennial, usually starting as a cutting from a mother plant. This makes them sensitive to heat. Artichokes now grown from seed! Baroda Farms began an artichoke seed breeding program more than 12 years ago. Our seeds allow us to grow better artichokes all year round and cross-breeding produces meatier leaves, bigger heart, and better flavor. They're almost thornless!

Artichoke Lore

Cynara, the first Myth Artichoke Jupiter, the Ruler and god of Thunder, was visiting Poseidon, his brother and Ruler of the Sea, when a most beautiful woman came into view. Jupiter pursued this stunning woman amidst his entreaties she to submit to his godly charms. She resisted all of his efforts, and instead, requested to be transformed into a supernatural being. She became the Goddess Cynara, statuesque, yet naturally sensuous. Jupiter was overwhelmed with an uncontrollable feeling he thought might be--love. She wanted to go back to Earth; he was in a spellbound dilemma.

With a move of his arm, the God of Gods sent a thunderbolt toward Earth, turning the ravishing Goddess into an Artichoke for all time!

The many effects of the mighty artichoke Though Jupiter may have defeated Cynara's power over him, we have long ago discovered one of the most delicious morsels offered by nature: the artichoke heart. The health benefits of eating artichokes include medicinal and therapeutic effects. Some say the plant also has the qualities of an aphrodisiac, but cannot scientifically prove it. What is scientific fact is that the artichoke contains cynarin, which alters the perception of our taste buds, thus enhancing the flavor of food.

For more about this wonderful, edible thistle, read: The Sensuous Artichoke.