Artichokes are one of the oldest foods known to man. The plant originated in the Mediterranean region and is part of the sunflower family. According to Greek mythology, Zeus turned his mistress Cynara into the first artichoke plant when he caught her sneaking away from Olympia.
Although we usually refer to it as a vegetable, the produce we eat is actually the flower bud of the artichoke plant. If you let the flower blossom, it turns a beautiful violet-blue color. People enjoy artichokes boiled, baked, steamed, grilled, deep fried, and stuffed with all sorts of yummy fillings.
According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin. Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium and protein while low in calories. For all of these reasons, along with being fat free and cholesterol free, artichokes are truly a healthy and delicious food to celebrate! 
FACTS
· The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
· The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable.
· They make for a great low sodium snack and lend themselves well to other snacks like artichoke dip, as well as a pizza topping.
· California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichoke.
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