The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus),^[rx] also known by the names French artichoke and green artichoke in the U.S.,^[rx] is a variety of a species of thistle cultivated as a food.

The edible portion of the plant consists of the flower buds before the flowers come into bloom. The budding artichoke flower-head is a cluster of many budding small flowers (an inflorescence), together with many bracts, on an edible base. Once the buds bloom, the structure changes to a coarse, barely edible form. Another variety of the same species is the cardoon, a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. Both wild forms and cultivated varieties (cultivars) exist.

Artichoke having the scientific name as Cynara cardunculus belongs to the genus Cynara L. within the family Asteraceae. Other names used to refer to this vegetable is Globe Artichoke, Scotch Thistle, Prickly Cardoon, Wild Cardoon, Vegetable Rennet, and Wood Artichoke. It is native to the Mediterranean region but now widely grown in Italy, France, and Spain. The name used by different countries for Artichoke is: For Globe Artichoke: – French: Artichaut, Artichaut Scolyme; Japanese: Chousen Azami; Spanish: Alcachofa, Hierba De Cuajo; Italian: Articiocco, Carciofolo. For Cardoon: – German: Cardoon, Stachelige Kardone; Greek: Agries Agginares, Agria Agkinara; German: Cardoon, Stachelige Kardone Dutch: Kardoen. Globe Artichoke and Cardoons are the commonly grown types of Artichoke.

Artichoke Facts

Artichoke is an edible flower bud that originated in the Mediterranean which is also known as Ankara in Greek. It was used by ancient Greeks and Romans for medicinal properties. The beautiful pink or purple flowers develop from the edible buds which are composed of compactly arranged triangular scales.

Artichoke Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Cynara cardunculus

Plant

Artichoke is an erect, spiny, biennial, or perennial plant growing to 1.4–2 m (4.6–6.6 ft.) tall with ovate-lanceolate, gray-green leaves arranged alternately having the length of 30–50 cm and width 10–20 cm. The flower buds with a diameter of 8–15 cm (3.1–5.9 in) are the edible portion of the plant. The flowers are purple upto seven inches in diameter which flowers from June-July. The stems are 0.6-1.2 m high. It is adapted to warm and dry climates and prefers well-drained soil. The plant lives upto two years.

Fruit

The fruit of Artichoke is obovate, thick with 7.5-8 cm as a diameter. It possesses a unique nutty flavor and resembles the taste of asparagus. Each fruit weighs about 150 gm. Artichokes are available in Europe and North America during spring, summer and in the Middle East during fall.

Edible portions of the plant

The lower fleshy parts are consumed by steaming, boiling, frying, baking, stuffing, pickled, marinating, making artichoke dips, or mixing into yogurt. The young tender leaf stalks are also eaten. After cooking, the bracts are removed and eaten by dipping in mayonnaise, butter, hollandaise, lemon juice, aioli, or other sauces. The chards and flowering stems are eaten braised, blanched, or fried. The bitter young leaves are consumed by cooking. The dried flowers are a substitute for coagulating/ curdling milk.

Health Benefits of Artichoke

Artichokes are rich in antioxidant which assists to detoxify the body, improve liver health, aids constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. It also lowers blood pressure, promotes urination, and eradicates hangovers. The various health benefits provided by Artichokes are discussed below:

1. Prevent cancer

Artichoke is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, quercetin, and rutin which enhances the immune system to counteract free radicals and natural byproducts which leads to various diseases and health ailments such as heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C in Artichokes also prevents the health conditions such as fibrosis mucositis and breast cancer. Studies have shown that the leaves extract of Artichoke reduces the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia. (1) (2) (3)

2. Heart health

Artichoke should be added to the diet because it possesses various cancer-fighting properties. The leaves of Artichokes assist to lower the bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Cholesterol blocks the flow of blood increases blood pressure which leads to strokes and heart attacks. Artichokes reduce the risk of heart ailments by lowering bad cholesterol. (4)

3. Maintains blood pressure

Artichoke is rich in minerals such as potassium which is essential for the functioning of various organs. Potassium neutralizes the excess sodium effects which is the cause of blood pressure. It acts as a vasodilator. Artichokes prevent complications related to blood pressure in diabetic patients. The risk of heart disease and heart attack could be reduced by lowering blood pressure. (5)

4. Prevents liver damage

The antioxidants such as silymarin and cynarin enhance liver health by eliminating toxins from the liver as well as the body. Studies have shown that antioxidants enhance the repairs damage and regrowth of liver cells. (6)

5. Assist indigestion

Artichoke possesses a high amount of dietary fiber which assists in the functions of the digestive system. It keeps the bowel movements regular by adding bulk to the food which reduces the chances of constipation, intestinal cancer, cramps, bloating, discomfort, and excess flatulence. Fiber eliminates the LDL cholesterol from arteries which lowers the risk of heart disease. Artichoke eases the inflamed gallbladders. Artichoke enhances the secretion and production of gastric juices, bile, which aids in smooth digestion. (7) (8)

6. Cures hangover

Artichoke reduces the blockage and eliminates toxins from the body which makes it a great cure for hangovers. People take some leaves of Artichoke after the heavy drinking.

7. Prevent neural tube defects

As Artichoke possesses a huge amount of folic acid, it prevents neural tube defects in the newborn. Folic acid is important during pregnancy because the process of neural tube closure in vitro requires some amount of folate to occur. (9)

8. Healthy bones

Artichoke is rich in vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese which are essential for increasing the density and health of the bones. It also lowers the risk of osteoporosis. (10)

9. Functions of metabolism

Manganese and Magnesium are essential for the process of metabolism which is found inadequate amounts in Artichokes. Magnesium is essential for improving calcium intake, protein synthesis process, and strengthening bones. Magnesium impacts the metabolic rates of amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

10. Brain Health

It acts as a vasodilator that transports oxygen to the brain for elevated cognitive function. Artichoke also possesses an adequate amount of phosphorus. The reduction of cognitive ability is associated with the deficiency of phosphorus. (11)

How to Eat

Artichokes could be consumed in form of raw or cooked and added to stews, salads, casseroles, soups, and sauces. Globe artichokes could be preserved in form of pickles, canned, or beverages.  It could be grilled, fried, cooked, baked, or microwaved as well. It could be taken in the form of herbal tea.

Precautions

An allergic reaction such as intestinal gas and allergic reactions might be experienced by people who are sensitive to chrysanthemums, ragweed, marigolds, and daisies. Artichokes can worsen obstruction of the bile duct by increasing the flow of bile, which is naturally released by the liver. With the increase in bile flow, gallstones may be worsening.

References

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