Latin name: Cynara scolymus
Location: Sunday School Garden
What it looks like: When in flower they look like a large thistle and are similar to the Cardoon. They have thick green stalks, jagged leaves and a large round head.  
History: According to some sources artichokes are the oldest cultivated vegetable and originated around the Mediterranean.
How to eat it: The heads should be picked before they flower and it’s the buds inside the head which are edible. You can either eat the head raw or boil it in water – also try adding a bit of lemon juice!
More information: Despite sharing the name it is no relation to the Jerusalem Artichoke but is a species of thistle.