Artichokes
The artichoke comes from Northeast Africa and seems to have been known by the Greeks and Romans. During the Middle Ages was introduced in Italy and Spain, seems to have improved the cultivation of thistle, more bitter, and thus the artichoke was obtained.
Description
The artichoke reaches from 1.4 to 2 meters in height. It comes back from the stalk every year, after winter, if the cold did not freeze it. It throws a rosette of whole leaves and deep segmented although less divided than those of the thistle and with few or no thorns.
Varieties: In Spain is obtained mainly the White of Tudela, Callosinas, Madrileñas, and the variety Monquelina although this last one is practically disappeared.
Seasonality: Between October and April is usually harvested.