Health Benefits of Artichokes
Though artichokes are commonly thought of as vegetables, the part of the artichoke that you eat is actually the bud of a flower before it blooms. After blooming, the artichoke becomes a single, purple blossom, but most are harvested for food before they get to that point.
The artichokes you find at grocery stores or farmers markets are round and covered with spiky leaves. When steamed, artichokes have a tender texture and a sweet, earthy taste that make them an excellent addition to dips and sauces, as well as a perfect stand-alone snack.
The artichoke is native to the Mediterranean region. Today, the artichoke industry is largely based in California, but you can still find artichoke plants growing throughout the Mediterranean. Fresh artichoke is most commonly found between the months of February and June or September and December, when the plant is in season.
Health Benefits
Artichokes are frequently cited as a superfood, in part because of their high levels of antioxidants. Studies show a number of proven and potential health benefits of artichokes.