This artichoke is the edible flower bud of a thistle plant. Although globe artichokes are mostly known for their culinary applications, the plants also have bright purple flowers, making them perfect for decorative purposes.
Globe artichokes consist of compactly packed triangular, curved leaves. The outermost leaves are green and as the leaves get closer to the heart of the artichoke, they transform to pale yellow or purple. When the artichokes are young and small, they can be eaten raw, in salads, but mature globe artichokes require cooking before consuming. The edible parts of a globe artichoke, the bracts (leaves), and the heart, have a soft texture and are nutty and slightly tangy in taste. Globe artichokes are available throughout the year from our UK and import growers.
