Artichoke

Term used in some regions of Spain and Latin America to refer to the artichoke, which is an edible plant of the Asteraceae family. The edible part of the artichoke is its immature flowers, which have fleshy leaves and a tender heart. In the kitchen, artichokes can be prepared in various ways, such as boiled, steamed, grilled, sautéed or baked. Its flavor is mild and slightly bitter, and can be combined with a wide variety of ingredients, such as olive oil, garlic, lemon, parsley and parmesan cheese. Artichokes are also prized for their fiber content, antioxidants and essential nutrients.