Heart of the Matter

Cynara cardunculus - it's the world's best loved thistle. Globe artichokes have been prized since the days of the Ancient Greeks, and they're as popular as ever today. As delicious as it's nutritious, it's a vegetable that's surprisingly versatile, as this intriguing selection of recipes will quickly reveal: lamb, chicken and beef all make excellent partners, along with fresh spring herbs, cracked olives and broad beans.