This was taken in November in the Botanical Gardens in Naples. The plant is in season between November and March which would explain perfectly well why it is used in Christmas dinners.
SYMPTOMS TREATED : it reduces cholesterol, it helps with water retention, it increases bile excretion and improves digestive problems
ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES : It is a perennial herb with blue to purple flowers. It is a naturally occurring species but it is cultivated in many forms, including as the Globe Artichoke
OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION : it tastes like a bitter artichoke. It is often served as a simple side dish, or put in a stew or tangine. The stalks used traditional Christmas meals, such as in Italy, Spain and France.
GLOSSARYperennial plants : Plants which have a life cycle lasting more than 2 years, and which regrow during the springHypercholesterolemia : This
