Artichoke

An edible thistle bud that is actually an immature flower head/Food & Drinks

The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is the immature flower head of a species of thistle, harvested before it blooms. What we eat are the fleshy bases of the outer bracts and the 'heart' at the center. If left unharvested, the artichoke opens into a spectacular purple flower up to 15 cm across, attractive to bees and butterflies. Artichokes originated in the Mediterranean region and were cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today, Italy produces about 34% of the world's supply. The artichoke contains cynarin, a compound that makes water taste sweet after eating, affecting roughly 60% of people.