20 Artichoke Facts

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Posted by Karyn Moyer

Tags: Ag Fun and Facts

20 Artichoke Facts

Did you know these 20 facts about the artichoke? 

  1. March 16th is National Artichoke Day.
  2. Nearly all artichokes grown commercially in the U.S. are grown in California.
  3. Production actually happens year-round, but peak harvest season occur between March and May and smaller one in October.
  4. Harvest takes place between 5 and 6 months after planting.
  5. Artichokes thrives in frost-free areas with cool, foggy summers.
  6. In 2016, 6,800 acres were harvested.
  7. A plant produces about 15 to 20 artichokes a year.
  8. Artichokes can be cultivated as an annual or a perennial plant.
  9. Artichokes are an immature flower. If left to mature, they will blossom into bright purple flowers.
  10. There are 50 varieties of artichokes grown worldwide. Green Globe is the predominant variety in California.
  11. Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean region.
  12. Artichokes were brought to the United States in the 1800s and were first grown in Louisiana by French immigrants and in California by the Spanish.
  13. The artichoke is the Official Vegetable of Monterey County in California
  14. Castroville, a small town in Monterey County, is the self-proclaimed “Artichoke Center of the World” since most of California’s artichokes are grown in this area.
  15. The world’s largest producer was Italy, with Egypt and Spain following.
  16. In a study done by the USDA, artichokes ranked as the number one vegetable in antioxidant count
  17. A large artichoke has 6 grams of dietary fiber.
  18. One medium artichoke has more fiber than a cup of prunes.
  19. Before the 16th century, women were not allowed to eat the vegetable because they were still considered to have aphrodisiac properties.
  20. Marilyn Monroe, who was still going by her given name, was crowned Castroville’s first Artichoke Queen.

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Sources:
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center
California Artichoke Advisory Board: Health and Nutrition
California Artichoke Advisory Board: Facts
Mobile Cuisine
Soft Schools
We aren't arti-joking around with these facts!
Karyn Moyer

Karyn Moyer

Karyn Moyer is the Senior Marketing Manager at AgHires, with over 13 years of marketing experience, over 9 of which she has spent in the agriculture marketing industry. Growing up in a small farming town, Karyn has a deep appreciation for the importance of agriculture and its role in our communities. Since joining AgHires in 2017, Karyn has used her wealth of experience and knowledge to help job seekers and clients achieve their goals. She has a passion for learning and discovering new ways to support the industry.