GLOBE ARTICHOKES (This one for you Sheina )

Along with Spring , artichokes arrive , these are the unopened flowers and stems of an edible thistle . Along with brocoli and cauliflower , they are classified as a vegetable with an edible flower . The artichoke which is allowed to bloom transforms into beautiful large purple blooms . They grow on perennial plants that only produce edible flowers in their second and third years , this explains their relatively high price . Globe artichokes are unrelated to tuberous Jerusalem and Chinese artichokes , but are named because of their similiar flavour to the globe artichoke . Globe artichokes are at their best when their leaves are green and tight and they feel heavy for their size . The test for freshness is to rub the leaves together and to check for a characteristic squeak . Globe artichokes are best used fresh as possible .