Artichoke Thistle

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ENGLISH NAME : The Artichoke Thistle

LATIN NAME : Cynara Cardunculus

ITALIAN NAME : Carciofo

NICKNAMES : The Cardoon

IMPORTANT PARTS OF PLANT : leaves

SYMPTOMS TREATED : it reduces cholesterol, it helps with water retention, it increases bile excretion and improves digestive problems

ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES : It is a perennial herb with blue to purple flowers. It is a naturally occurring species but it is cultivated in many forms, including as the Globe Artichoke

CONTAINS : antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, minerals

OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION : it tastes like a bitter artichoke. It is often served as a simple side dish, or put in a stew or tangine. The stalks are commonly used traditional Christmas meals, such as in Italy, Spain and France.

WHERE IT GROWS : Abundantly in the Mediterranean. It is in season from November to March.

ITALIAN WORDS :
foglie - leaves
Ipercolesterolemia - hypercholesterolemia
Ritenzione idrica stipsi - water retention constipation
Insufficienza - lack of + adjective
Difficoltà digestive - digestive difficulties

GLOSSARY
■perennial plants : Plants which have a life cycle lasting more than 2 years, and which regrow during the spring

■Hypercholesterolemia : This occurs when the levels of cholesterol in the blood are too high

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Photos

Artichoke Thistle
This was taken in November in the Botanical Gardens in Naples. The plant is in season between November and March which would explain perfectly well why it is used in Christmas dinners.

Artichoke Thistle in December
This was taken in December 2021, in the Botanical Gardens of Naples

Artichoke Thistle taken in December
Taken in the Botanical Gardens in Naples