Black artichoke from Lecce (globet shaped)

(Cynara cardunculus subsp. scolymus)

The black artichoke has opened scales in the first vegetative phases and not only in late maturation as it happens for other varieties. This makes it particularly proper to be consumed stuffed. Today some specimens of this plant survive in privates gardens,  certificated both in the belt of Lecce  city and in the area of Tricase, but specially in the “Grecìa Salentina”, and the testimonies gathered confirm that once it was widespread throughout the Salento area.

Francesca Casaluci