Globe Artichokes Globe artichokes are the most common and familiar type of artichokes. They are available year-round and are known for their tightly packed chokes with green and purple leaves.
1. Baby Anzio Artichoke The Baby Anzio is the smallest variety, measuring just 2 inches in diameter. Harvested early, it boasts a sweet and nutty flavor, almost caramel-like. This variety is perfect for grilling or roasting with garlic, butter, or olive oil.
2. Big Heart Artichoke The Big Heart variety grows without thorns and produces dense buds that are 3-5 and a 1/2 inches wide. With a large, fleshy base, it weighs around a pound and pairs excellently with Parmesan Soup.
3. Castel Artichoke Light green and round, the Castel variety is rich in vitamin B, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. Enjoy it steamed or boiled with a dip, as it also aids in relieving low-blood pressure and digestive ailments.
4. Chianti Artichoke Chianti artichokes produce 4-5 inches wide green buds with maroon dashes on the leaves. This Italian variety, related to the Romanesco artichoke, is best enjoyed stuffed with dried tomatoes and cheese.
5. Fiesole Artichoke Fiesole features a tulip-shaped flower with deep violet-wine colored skin. Known for its intense nutty and fruity flavor with grassy tones, it is the most delicious of all baby artichoke varieties.
6. Green Globe Artichoke The Green Globe is the most common variety, boasting wide, deep green buds with a light purple tinge. Excellent for use in salads, it pairs well with spicy and flavorful dishes.
7. Imperial Star Artichoke The Imperial Star is a popular homegrown variety, producing 4-5 inches wide buds. While it has a flavor similar to the Green Globe, it is slightly sweeter.
8. Jerusalem Artichoke Jerusalem artichokes have elongated tubers, resembling ginger root, that are 3-4 inches long. They are great for soups and salads and can be used as an alternative to potatoes.
9. Lyon Artichoke Lyon boasts the largest heart in the artichoke family, growing up to 6 inches in diameter. It has a nutty, slightly sweet, and buttery flavor, ideal for stuffing, with its leaves also used in salads.
10. Sangria Artichoke This variety forms 3-4 inches wide artichokes with deep purple, meaty leaves. It has a nutty flavor and can be consumed steamed or added to salads, pizzas, and pasta.
11. Omaha Artichoke Omaha artichokes have a less bitter taste compared to others, with a meaty texture and a buttery, nutty, sweet flavor. They are excellent grilled or stuffed and served with spicy dishes.
12. Carciofo Romanesco Artichoke With deep purple leaves and a green tinge, the Carciofo Romanesco is thornless and tender, boasting a nutty flavor and a large heart. It is best enjoyed grilled.
13. Tempo Artichoke This hybrid variety produces 4-5 inches wide buds with a purple tinge on the bracts. Best roasted with garlic, lemon juice, and butter, it can also be boiled and sautéed.
14. Siena Artichoke The Siena variety matures late in the growing season, producing 4-inch wide, oblong, wine-red tender hearts. They taste great when cooked with olive oil, garlic, pepper, and lemon juice.
15. Violetta Artichoke Violetta artichokes offer 5-inch long and 3-inch wide artichokes with thick purple leaves. They have a nutty, buttery flavor and are perfect for salads or grilled with garlic herb butter and lemon.