Artichoke has been consumed since ancient Rome. According to Greek mythology, Zeus fell in love with a beautiful woman named Cynara. Zeus was so enamored that he brought Cynara to Mount Olympus. Angered when Cynara returned to earth, he turned her into the first artichoke. In fact, artichoke are believed to be native to the Mediterranean. In Turkey, artichoke is a regional delicacy. Beginning in April, small carts pop-up on street corners throughout Turkey. The purveyors of fresh artichokes skillfully remove the rough exterior to reveal the tender center. Finally, the artichoke heart is placed into a bath of lemon water to prevent browning.
