Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori (Asteraceae) cv. Green Globe

ENG	Globe artichoke
SK	artyčoka
CZ	artyčok
PL	Karczoch zwyczajny
HU

Using

Globe artichoke herb is widely considered to be a rich source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, inulin, anthocyanins, fibre, and essential minerals, to which the therapeutic properties of the species have been ascribed. Inter alia, it has been used as a choleretic, an inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis, an anti-atherosclerotic, and for its anti-bacterial, anti-HIV, bile-expelling, hepatoprotective, urinative, anti-oxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties.

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Sowing

Planting

Harvest (heads)

Botanical description and occurrence:

Globe artichoke is an herbaceous perennial plant, native to Mediterranean Basin. It is grown as a vegetable or herb because of broad spectrum of pharmacological properties. Plants could be seed- or vegetatively propagated. Leaves are large, more or less incised, silvery green, and clustered as a very decorative rosette. The harvestable part of globe artichoke is the immature flower head of globular shape, valued for unusual taste since ancient times. The earliest and largest bud (the main capitulum) develops at the apex of the main stem, as well as two or three smaller secondary buds on branching floral stems, several still smaller tertiary buds form, and so on, each more fibrous and smaller as the season progresses. When the bud matures and opens, 800 – 1,200 purple or blue florets expand. The fruits are achenes of elliptical shape, dark coloured, with a prominent pappus that contributes to wind dispersal.

Why to have the plant in your garden:

‘Green Globe’ is one of the most valuable cultivars of Globe artichoke, popular mainly in USA. It has a large green capitula and thick, fleshy bracts. Even individual plant can be unusual decoration of the garden, buds can be used for culinary purposes or – if not cut - the buds open to purple thistle-like flowers.

Text:

Dr. Agnieszka Sekara, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland

Photo:

Dr. Jan Mezey, SUA, Nitra, Slovak Republic

Links to scientific articles (if it is possible):

Sękara A., Kalisz A., Gruszecki R., Grabowska A., Kunicki E. 2015. Globe artichoke – a vegetable, herb and ornamental of value in central Europe: A review. J. Hort. Sci. & Biotechnol. 90(4): 365-374;

Pandino G., Lombardo S., Mauromicale G. 2013. Globe artichoke leaves and floral stems as a source of bioactive compounds. Industrial Crops Prod. 44: 44–49;

Christaki E., Bonos E., Florou-Paneri P. 2012. Nutritional and functional properties of cynara crops (globe artichoke and cardoon) and their potential applications: A Review. Intl. J. Appl. Sci. Technol. 2(2): 64-70;