Artichokes are in the same plant family as sunflowers. The part people eat is actually a bud of the plant.

They're tasty and good for you. Artichokes are a good source of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and fiber.

They're usually steamed, boiled, or microwaved. Baby artichokes also can be sauteed or stir-fried.

A full-size artichoke isn't fully edible. You can't eat much of the petal — only the fleshy portion at the base. You can eat the middle, which is called the heart, but not the fuzzy center!