The GLOBE Artichoke is a French variety of the thistle family. It is grown for its large, edible flower heads. The artichoke plant is a perennial that grows to about two feet tall. The leaves are dark green and have a spiny texture. The flower head is about six inches in diameter and is composed of many smaller flowers. The edible portion of the flower head is the receptacle, which is the fleshy base that the smaller flowers are attached to. The artichoke plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for centuries. It was first introduced to France in the 16th century and has been grown there since then. The French variety of the GLOBE Artichoke is