Discover the Delicious World of Artichokes: Top 12 Fun Facts You Never Knew!

1. Ladies Only Artichoke Parties

Back in the Renaissance, artichokes were the little blue pill of their time, and ladies, you didn't make the guest list: It wasn't until Catherine de Medici introduced artichokes to France in the 16th century that women were finally allowed to indulge in these tantalizing thistles, breaking the belief that they were merely aphrodisiacs for men.
Source => whatscookingamerica.net

2. King Louis XIV: The Sun & Artichoke King

He was more than just the Sun King, he was the Artichoke King too: In reality, King Louis XIV of France had a penchant for artichokes and commissioned his Royal Gardener, Jean-Baptiste de la Quintinie, to grow a whopping six thousand asparagus and a thousand artichoke plants in the Potager du Roi at Versailles, but was never actually referred to as the "Artichoke King" nor was it documented that he used heated greenhouses year-round for the purpose.
Source => secretsofparis.com

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=> Fun Facts about Kale

3. Castroville: Artichoke Capital of the US

You'd think the artichoke capital of the US would have "turnip" or "squash" in its name, but, as luck would have it, the heart of the matter is in a place called Castroville: A small Californian town that not only grows nearly 100% of America's fresh artichokes but also hosts an annual Artichoke Festival since 1959 to celebrate this beloved veggie and raise money for local non-profit organizations. How's that for a choke-hold on the market?
Source => artichokefestival.org

4. Artichokes: The Aristocrats of Vegetables

Why did the ancient Greek artichoke cross the road? To become a refined snack for scholars and thespians, of course! : This delightful delicacy has been meal-prepping since the classical period of ancient Greece, underwent an elite culinary glow-up in Muslim Spain and the Maghreb during medieval times, and even graced King Henry VIII's garden in 17th century England. Today, artichoke aficionados can thank Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Peru, and the United States for lovingly tending to this thistle turned superstar of the veggie world.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Artichoke Stems: Hidden, Edible Treasure

Let the stems be victims no more, to the artichoke-ophiles of the world! Rejoice and reprise your humble chopstick: for the oft-shunned artichoke stems are indeed edible, delectable treasures. Dethrone the frittata friars and oust the omelet oppressors: the scrawny green subjects may be skinned and steamed or boiled to tasty nourishment, fearlessly taking their flavorful place on your plate.
Source => blog.sigonas.com

6. Risqué Thistle: The Aphrodisiac Veggie

Forget aphrodisiacs like oysters and chocolate, the artichoke is where the steamy action is – well, that's what fancy folks in the Renaissance era seemed to think! Ladies, watch out for this risqué thistle: Artichokes were once exclusively reserved for the wealthy and considered a potent stimulator of sexual desire, so much so that women weren't even allowed to partake. These privileged artichokes paraded their way from Europe to America, and now they graciously allow people of all social classes to experience their gourmet goodness and health benefits.
Source => mentalfloss.com

7. Nutrient-Packed & Armor-Coated Artichoke

Talk about suffering for your art(ichoke)! This healthy green veggie sports an armored exterior that conceals a tender, delicious heart, just begging to be devoured by fervent foodies: Fear not, for within that prickly exterior lies a powerful potion of nutrients - one medium-sized artichoke boasts 10 grams of fiber, over three grams of protein, and a wealth of folate, besides being crowned the king of phytonutrient-dense vegetables, overflowing with antioxidants and the cholesterol-busting cynarin.
Source => foodprint.org

8. Arti-choke on Fiber & Nutritional Benefits

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Arti. Arti who? Arti-choke on this nugget of nourishment: artichokes aren't just ritzy buds that look like flowerless bouquets but are stealthy dietary fiber champions, packing 10 grams per 1-cup serving! These low-cal superstars are armed with iron and vitamin C, ready to aid in weight loss and amp up your overall well-being. Go on, chow down on those plucky leaves and embrace a fiber-rich feast – after you stop chuckling, of course!
Source => eatingwell.com

9. Cheese Prophets & Cardoons: Enzyme Stars

Cheese prophets, listen up! It's time to pay homage to the mighty cardoon – the unsung hero of Portuguese cheese making: The dried flowers of these artichoke cousins contain enzymes that serve as natural rennet, curdling milk to create sublimely creamy, tangy cheeses like Serra da Estrela, Azeitao, and Nisa (D.O.P.).
Source => smithsonianmag.com

10. Marilyn Monroe: Honorary Artichoke Queen

If Marilyn Monroe were a vegetable, she'd be an artichoke: elegant, versatile, and a California superstar - just like the town of Castroville, CA, the "Artichoke Capital of the World"! Seriously, folks: Castroville not only hosts an annual artichoke festival but also features an artichoke on their town seal, and in 1947, they named the one and only Marilyn Monroe as their honorary Artichoke Queen. Besides that, their love for artichokes even extends to a colossal concrete replica of the veggie, nestled between an artichoke grocery and the renowned Giant Artichoke Restaurant, where you can devour mouthwatering fried artichokes dipped in ranch dressing.
Source => californiacuriosities.com

11. Regal Artichoke: Fit for Kings & Queens

Feeling like royalty as you nibble your way to the heart of the matter? Perhaps it's an artichoke whispering its regal history into your eager ears, sliding into your DMs with a tub of mayo: Artichokes were once adored by King Henry VII, and their scrumptious reputation blossomed into recipe books by the 1800s. These tasty thistle buds reign supreme during spring but also make an autumnal encore, deliciously served steamed or grilled. Just remember to court them gently by peeling away their protective layers to unleash the tender, dip-worthy royalty within.
Source => goodandfugly.com.au

12. Zeus' Thistly Love: The Artichoke Creation

When love goes thistly, artichokes are born: this deliciously prickly veggie is said to be the result of Greek god Zeus morphing his unrequited love into a thistle, creating the artichoke we know and munch on today.
Source => uwyoextension.org