Originally from Mediterranean Europe, artichokes are long-stemmed vegetables with spiny leaves shaped like pineapples.

The edible part is formed by the heart of the flower. This vegetable has different characteristics depending on the variety involved: Brittany: thick, round and heavy; Laon: big and green; Provence: violet in colour. Of the Spanish ones, the Blanca de Tudela is outstanding. This variety is largely grown in La Rioja and its main characteristics are: medium sized with a rounded and slightly elliptical shape. It is a crunchy, juicy product, with a slightly bitter flavour. It is usually eaten fresh, although it is a vegetable very suitable for making preserves. In cooking it offers many possibilities for presentation, above all as a garnish and in salads.