
Physical Differences Both possess silvery foliage and violet, thistle-like flowers, although artichokes produce larger flower buds with a tighter, more globular shape and less pronounced spines. Also, cardoons possess a rangier, less tidy growth habit, although both plants grow to roughly 3 to 5 feet in height.
What is the difference between an artichoke and a Spanish cardoon?
The Spanish cardoon doesn't have spines on the leaves. The artichoke's leaves are not as finely divided and not as silver. I find it easier to look at the flower.
How can you tell if a plant is an artichoke?
Compare the leaves on the flower heads to determine if the plant is an artichoke or a cardoon. It is almost impossible to tell what it is from the photo without a close-up of the leaves, mid-vein and flowers. Please log in or sign up to post.
Can you eat artichoke flowers?
The large, overdeveloped flower buds of the artichoke are consumed, both for the petals and the fleshy heart. Cardoons are favored for their young leaves and soft, immature flower stalks, which can be eaten cooked or raw. Samantha McMullen began writing professionally in 2001.

Are cardoons and artichokes the same?
Found in the wild along the Mediterranean, from Morocco and Portugal to Libya and Croatia, a cardoon is a thistle that tastes like a bitter version of a giant artichoke with small, prickly flower heads. But unlike an artichoke, you eat the stems, not the flower buds.
What's the difference between globe artichoke and cardoon?
Cardoons have a much larger, thicker midrib which is peeled and roasted and has a similar flavor to the artichoke heart when prepared correctly (enough of the bitter peel has been removed). The flowers of the cardoon are also gorgeous. Once cleaned, cardoon looks almost like celery.
What part of cardoon is edible?
leaf stalksCardoon is a wild cousin to the artichoke, but unlike artichokes, the edible portion is not the flower bud. Instead cardoon-lovers primarily eat the blanched leaf stalks (though the buds are edible, too). Cardoons are gorgeous plants.
Are cardoon artichokes edible?
0:051:59Meet Artichokes Cousin Cardoon | An Edible, Ornamental PerennialYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is called cardoon or Cardoni or Cardoni they're all correct. And as you can see it has a veryMoreThis is called cardoon or Cardoni or Cardoni they're all correct. And as you can see it has a very thistle like appearance it's part of the AppStore AC family or the sunflower family. And unlike the
Can you eat cardoon heads?
How to eat it: The Cardoon is a close relation to the Globe Artichoke and can also be eaten. Unlike the Globe Artichokes it is the stalk of the Cardoons you eat, rather than the flower head.
Are cardoons good for you?
Cardoons are a nutrient-rich vegetable. They contain protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, potassium, and vitamins C, B5, also known as pantothenic acid, and B9 or folic acid. Cardoons also contain iron, contributing to the health benefits of the vegetable.
How do you get the bitterness out of cardoon?
3. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and put in the cardoon. Cover the pot and boil until tender, 30-35 minutes.
How do you prepare and eat cardoon?
Steamed, braised, or sautéed, they are a simple side dish that can be paired with a variety of dishes. Add them to stews or blend them into a creamy soup. They can also be brined and preserved for later use. You can also sometimes swap cardoons for artichokes, like in a Moroccan Artichoke Salad recipe.
How do you clean a cardoon?
1:106:28Cleaning Cardoons - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can see this route here there's a route first I'm going to cut the root off. I. Can justMoreSo you can see this route here there's a route first I'm going to cut the root off. I. Can just throw it throw that away. Next I want to cut these stalks I'll trim these up a little bit.
Where can I grow cardoon?
Cardoons prefer a well-drained but moisture-retentive soil and a full sun position. They can be planted out from late April onwards until August/September. Set plants 3 feet x 3 feet apart (90 cm x 90 cm) as they need a lot of space.
What does Cardone look like?
A thistle-like plant, cardoons (also called cardone) grow abundantly in the Mediterranean and are usually in season from November to March. A close relative to the globe artichoke, the cardoon looks a bit like celery on steroids, growing as tall as six feet.
What do cardoon flowers look like?
Cynara cardunculus Cardoon is an architectural splendor with bold texture, thanks to its large, prickly, almost dagger-shaped gray-green arching leaves and a statuesque, vase-shaped frame. It is topped with round, purple, thistlelike flowers in midsummer. Cardoon can reach up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
As nouns the difference between cardoon and artichoke
is that cardoon is cynara cardunculus , a prickly perennial plant with impressive purple flowers while artichoke is an plant related to the thistle with enlarged flower heads eaten as a vegetable while immature.
English
Cynara cardunculus , a prickly perennial plant with impressive purple flowers.
English
An plant related to the thistle with enlarged flower heads eaten as a vegetable while immature.
Artichoke or Cardoon??
My neighbour (at home) has what he calls a Cardoon in his garden. HUGE thing, grows every year and has lovely large globe thistle like purple flowers (doesn't eat it, just has it as a decorative plant).
This is what a flowering artichoke looks like
Here are some that flowered before I could pick them. As well as looking pretty, they had an incredible aroma (a cross between musk and Honey).
