The Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a perennial thistle originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows to 1.5-2 m tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery glaucous-green leaves 50–80 cm long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8–15 cm diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucral bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of inedible immature florets in the center of the bud are called the "choke."

Baby artichokes are quicker to prepare than their larger brothers and, once you're done cooking, the whole thing is edible. They aren't really immature artichokes; they just come from lower on the plant or from varieties that stay small. They only need some simple trimming, and they can be prepared lots of ways. They're an economical ingredient in

The gourmet vegetable...Artichoke, originating from Western Mediterranean...How to grow organically and to prepare, cook, eat, Enjoy!

Impress your chick with this knowledge. I never knew how to eat one of these crazy things.