The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is the immature flower bud of a giant domesticated thistle, harvested before it can bloom. What you eat is hidden inside the scaly head: the fleshy bases of its overlapping bracts ("leaves") and, beneath the inedible fibrous "choke," the prized, nutty-savoury heart. Its flavour is bitter-green and faintly sweet, with a famous trick of making the next sip of water taste sweet.