Artichoke production in Italy has a long history. Italy is the world's largest producer of artichokes.[1] With Spain and France, the three countries produce more than 80% of the world's artichokes.[2]
There are two theories as to its origin: artichokes may have come from the Levant, derived from the cardoon or thistle through a cross-fertilization process, while others attribute it to the work of Italian horticulturists.[3] The first record of artichoke cultivation in Italy was during the fifteenth century in Naples, where it was considered a new food species.[4]
In 1466, Filippo Strozzi brought the first artichoke to Florence. By 1473, it had arrived in Venice. In 1915, 64,000 tons were produced.[5] Italy produces dozens of varieties.[6]
^Boriss, Hayley (December 2005). "Commodity Profile: Artichokes". Agricultural Issues Center, University of California, Davis. p. 2. Retrieved 28 September 2012.