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Fun Facts About Artichokes

  • Artichokes are one of the oldest foods known to man. Zeus was said to have turned a scorned lover into an artichoke.
  • In 1948 a young Marilyn Monroe (then Norma Jean) was crowned Castroville's first "Artichoke Queen."
  • Artichokes are said to be aphrodisiacs.
  • Technically, an artichoke is a flower.
  • In full growth, an artichoke plant can spread nine feet in diameter and stand five feet tall, and one plant can produce over 20 artichokes a year.
  • Baby artichokes are simply normal artichoke buds that grow lower on primary artichoke stalks.
  • Americans are divided on the artichoke's favorite sidekick. Eastern state residents prefer butter while Western region residents opt for mayonnaise or aioli (garlic mayonnaise).
  • Artichokes are a significant source of vitamin C, folic acid and magnesium. Virtually fat-free, the artichoke weighs in at 25 calories (per medium artichoke) and is low in sodium.
 
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