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{{Short description|A perennial thistle in the sunflower family cultivated for its edible parts}}
== Cardoon ==
{{Taxobox
| name = Cardoon
| image = Cynara_cardunculus.jpg
| image_caption = Cardoon plant
| regnum = [[Plantae]]
| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Asterids]]
| ordo = [[Asterales]]
| familia = [[Asteraceae]]
| genus = ''[[Cynara]]''
| species = '''''C. cardunculus'''''
| binomial = ''Cynara cardunculus''
}}


The '''cardoon''' (''Cynara cardunculus'') is a thistle-like perennial plant in the [[Asteraceae]] family, closely related to the [[artichoke]]. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated for its edible leaf stalks and roots. The cardoon is also known for its ornamental value and is sometimes grown in gardens for its striking appearance.
[[File:Costa_Vicentina_4.jpg|thumb|right|Cardoon growing in the wild]]


==Description==
The '''cardoon''' (''Cynara cardunculus'') is a thistle-like perennial plant in the family [[Asteraceae]]. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated for its edible leaf stalks and roots. The cardoon is closely related to the [[artichoke]], and both plants are known for their large, spiny leaves and purple flowers.
The cardoon is a robust plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. It has deeply lobed, silvery-grey leaves that can reach up to 1 meter (3 feet) in length. The plant produces large, purple flower heads similar to those of the artichoke, which bloom in the summer.


[[File:Cardoon_flower.jpg|thumb|left|Cardoon flower]]
== Description ==


The edible parts of the cardoon are the blanched leaf stalks, which are harvested in the winter months. The stalks are typically tied together and covered to exclude light, a process known as blanching, which makes them tender and reduces their bitterness.
[[File:Cynara_cardunculus_-_Royal_Botanical_Garden,_Madrid.JPG|thumb|left|Cardoon in the Royal Botanical Garden, Madrid]]


==Cultivation==
The cardoon is a robust plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has deeply lobed, silvery-grey leaves that are covered with fine hairs. The plant produces large, purple flower heads that resemble those of the artichoke. The flowers are surrounded by spiny bracts, which protect the developing seeds.
Cardoons are typically grown from seed, which is sown in the spring. The plants prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. They require regular watering, especially during dry periods, to ensure the development of tender stalks.


Blanching is an essential part of cardoon cultivation. This is usually done in the fall, about three to four weeks before harvest. The stalks are tied together and wrapped in straw, paper, or other materials to block out light.
== Cultivation ==


==Culinary Uses==
[[File:Cynara_cardunculus_MHNT.BOT.2012.10.18.jpg|thumb|right|Cardoon specimen]]
Cardoons are a traditional ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. The blanched stalks are often boiled or braised and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stews, gratins, and salads. They have a flavor similar to that of artichokes, with a slightly bitter undertone.


In some regions, the roots of the cardoon are also consumed. They can be boiled or roasted and are sometimes used as a coffee substitute.
Cardoons are typically grown in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. They require a long growing season and are often blanched to improve the tenderness of the leaf stalks. Blanching involves covering the stalks with soil or opaque material to exclude light, which reduces bitterness and enhances flavor.


==Medicinal Uses==
== Uses ==
Historically, cardoons have been used in herbal medicine. They are believed to have diuretic properties and have been used to treat digestive disorders. The plant contains cynarin, a compound thought to have liver-protective effects.


==Ornamental Use==
[[File:Cynara_cardunculus2.JPG|thumb|left|Close-up of cardoon leaves]]
In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, the cardoon is valued for its ornamental qualities. Its large, architectural form and striking flowers make it a popular choice for garden borders and as a focal point in landscape design.
 
The cardoon is primarily grown for its edible parts, which include the leaf stalks and roots. The stalks are often used in Mediterranean cuisine, where they are boiled or braised and served as a vegetable. The roots can also be cooked and eaten, although they are less commonly used.
 
== Medicinal Properties ==
 
[[File:Cynara_cardunculus0.jpg|thumb|right|Cardoon flower]]
 
Cardoons have been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. They contain compounds that may aid in digestion and liver function. The plant is also a source of [[inulin]], a type of dietary fiber that can promote gut health.
 
== Environmental Impact ==
 
[[File:Cynara_cardunculus_Prague_2011_1.jpg|thumb|left|Cardoon in Prague]]
 
Cardoons can become invasive in some regions outside their native range. They are known to spread rapidly and can outcompete native vegetation. In some areas, they are considered a weed and are subject to control measures.
 
== Related Pages ==


==Related pages==
* [[Artichoke]]
* [[Artichoke]]
* [[Asteraceae]]
* [[Asteraceae]]
* [[Mediterranean cuisine]]
* [[Mediterranean cuisine]]
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Cardoon_Bud_--_Cynara_cardunculus.jpg|Cardoon bud
File:Cynaracardunculus.jpg|Cardoon plant
</gallery>


[[Category:Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Edible plants]]
[[Category:Edible plants]]
[[Category:Perennial plants]]
[[Category:Invasive plant species]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]

Latest revision as of 14:14, 21 February 2025

Cardoon[edit]

File:Costa Vicentina 4.jpg
Cardoon growing in the wild

The cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) is a thistle-like perennial plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated for its edible leaf stalks and roots. The cardoon is closely related to the artichoke, and both plants are known for their large, spiny leaves and purple flowers.

Description[edit]

File:Cynara cardunculus - Royal Botanical Garden, Madrid.JPG
Cardoon in the Royal Botanical Garden, Madrid

The cardoon is a robust plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has deeply lobed, silvery-grey leaves that are covered with fine hairs. The plant produces large, purple flower heads that resemble those of the artichoke. The flowers are surrounded by spiny bracts, which protect the developing seeds.

Cultivation[edit]

File:Cynara cardunculus MHNT.BOT.2012.10.18.jpg
Cardoon specimen

Cardoons are typically grown in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. They require a long growing season and are often blanched to improve the tenderness of the leaf stalks. Blanching involves covering the stalks with soil or opaque material to exclude light, which reduces bitterness and enhances flavor.

Uses[edit]

File:Cynara cardunculus2.JPG
Close-up of cardoon leaves

The cardoon is primarily grown for its edible parts, which include the leaf stalks and roots. The stalks are often used in Mediterranean cuisine, where they are boiled or braised and served as a vegetable. The roots can also be cooked and eaten, although they are less commonly used.

Medicinal Properties[edit]

File:Cynara cardunculus0.jpg
Cardoon flower

Cardoons have been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. They contain compounds that may aid in digestion and liver function. The plant is also a source of inulin, a type of dietary fiber that can promote gut health.

Environmental Impact[edit]

File:Cynara cardunculus Prague 2011 1.jpg
Cardoon in Prague

Cardoons can become invasive in some regions outside their native range. They are known to spread rapidly and can outcompete native vegetation. In some areas, they are considered a weed and are subject to control measures.

Related Pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

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