- The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a variety of a species of thistle cultivated as food.

- The edible portion of the plant consists of the flower buds before the flowers come into bloom. 

- The budding artichoke flower-head is a cluster of many budding small flowers, together with many bracts, on an edible base.

- Once the buds bloom, the structure changes to a coarse, barely edible form ( and that is why it is very important to harvest them at the right time!).

- The total antioxidant capacity of artichoke flower heads is one of the highest reported for vegetables.