Did you know that artichoke is the official vegetable of California? It’s no surprise when 99.9% of all Artichokes in the United States are grown in this state!
These edible thistles of the sunflower family can be found at your farmers' market year-round, with peaks in the spring and fall, coming in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Most farmers bring them from an area near Castroville and Salinas where growing conditions are desirable for artichokes. Your farmers' market will have the best that can be grown, straight from the farm!
The Lowdown
Season
Fall
Spring
Color
Green, Purple
Select
Look for fat, firm-looking buds with dense, tightly packed leaves of uniform dusty green. Lots of black spots, faded color, or open leaves indicate an older artichoke that will have a woody taste.
Store
Sprinkle with a little water and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
