The artichoke is a member of the flowering thistle family brought to America by the Italians in 1800. The flower is a beautiful hue of purple. Marylin Monroe was Ms Artichoke Queen in 1949. The contest was held in Castroville, California. They have self-proclaimed themselves as the artichoke capital of the world. Cynara of Greek Mytholgy was turned into an artichoke for life. The story goes like this – Jupiter fell for a woman he turned into Goddess Cynara. When she wanted to return to earth he sent her back as an artichoke for eternity. Read More …

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