Artichokes belong to the “flowering vegetable” family, and let’s be honest—with those unique shapes and stunning blooms, they look a little exotic! Because they look so different from your average garden veggie, a lot of people wonder: is the whole plant edible, or could parts of it actually be toxic? Let’s clear that up right now.
Artichokes are not poisonous
First things first: artichokes are not toxic at all. That goes for every single part of the plant. You don’t have to worry one bit if you’re planning on growing or harvesting them in your own backyard. However, just because they aren’t poisonous doesn’t mean the whole thing is tasty. The outer leaves are incredibly tough and woody, making them pretty much inedible. The same goes for the “choke”—that fuzzy, fibrous center. It won’t hurt you, but it definitely doesn’t taste good!
Most folks just trim away those tough outer layers and scoop out the fuzzy center before cooking or eating. But don’t let those discarded bits fool you—the artichoke is actually a powerhouse of health and is even considered a medicinal plant. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s famous for helping out with digestion and even supporting healthy cholesterol levels.