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.