It grows in the vicinity of Balçova, Mordoğan, Çesme and Karaburun in Izmir. The harvest of gum artichoke begins in November and continues until the end of April.

Artichoke grows in Türkiye around Izmir and around Yalova-Bursa. In recent years, its cultivation has spread in the coastal region up to Adana. The most important varieties of domestic artichokes: Gum Artichoke and Bayrampaşa Artichoke.

Bayrampaşa Artichoke: It is quite different from gum in terms of its properties. It is tight and heavy in the shape of a large ball. (150-250 grams.) It is a temporary variety. It ripens in May and June. Besides fresh consumption, it is also suitable as canned food. Artichoke is a purple flowering perennial plant. Although it is considered a vegetable, it also falls into the fruit class, since the eaten part is a flower bud that has not yet opened. As with all vegetables and fruits, regular consumption of artichokes is very beneficial to health.

BENEFITS

- It contains vitamins C, B and magnesium. In addition, sinarin, which is found in its leaves, is a substance that lowers cholesterol.
- It is used for anemia, rheumatism, gout, indigestion, skin itching and even insect and snake bites.
- It is very beneficial in spastic colon problem known as irritable bowel syndrome. By facilitating digestion, it corrects the signs of disease-specific pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
- It lowers HDL, known as bad cholesterol. Especially parts of the leaves fight bad cholesterol.
- It quickly eliminates headaches, fatigue and dry mouth that occur after consuming alcohol.
- It prevents loss of appetite.
- Artichoke, which cleans organs and increases mental capacity, has antioxidant properties. It also allows the disposal of toxic substances and the delay of aging.
- Because artichokes are a substance that stimulates the liver; those with gall problems and stones should not consume too much. Those who are allergic to chamomile and chrysanthemum plants from the same family should not eat artichokes. - Artichokes have no known interaction with drugs and other plants.