For the longest time, I had no idea what an actual artichoke looked like. I only knew them from spinach artichoke dip. I sure am glad I decided to start playing around with this vegetable when I started cooking. I absolutely love a good artichoke. So tasty. I still generally buy them already quartered in a glass jar, but I'll try to make an effort to buy a whole one once in awhile to get the full experience.

ABOUT THE ARTICHOKE

• The artichoke is a flower that hasn't bloomed.
• Although they've been around for a really long time, it wasn't until the 20th century that they started being grown in the U.S.A.
• Marilyn Monroe was Castroville’s first Artichoke Queen.
• Artichokes have no fat or cholesterol.
• Artichokes are rich in potassium.
• Artichokes can be used to help with hangovers - they help eliminate toxins quickly.