This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = artichoke(GDF v2.0, 2995 attributes, 28 sections).Renderer:
commodity_profile_rendererv1.0.0. Source row version:knowledge_forge_gdf_v2.0_export_2026-04-06.
Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Artichoke |
| Scientific name | Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus |
| Family / Genus | Asteraceae / Cynara |
| Produce category | Other |
| Produce subcategory | Thistle Vegetable |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 3026 |
| PLU — organic | 93026 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_645 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 35.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green Globe | 45% | Most widely grown commercial variety in US; large, round heads with tightly packed bracts; excellent eating quality; purple-tinged bracts; 90-100 days to harvest; produces well in mild winter climates |
| Imperial Star | 25% | Annual production variety bred for seed propagation; uniform heads; produces in first year from seed; 85-90 days to harvest; excellent for regions without mild winters; consistent size and quality |
| Desert Globe | 12% | California-bred variety; excellent for desert growing conditions; heat-tolerant; medium to large rounded heads; good for spring harvest; disease resistant |
| Big Heart | 8% | Large, meaty hearts with high yield; excellent interior quality; fewer leaves; bred for processing and fresh market; strong, upright plants |
| Emerald | 5% | Spineless variety; easier to harvest and handle; uniform medium-sized heads; good flavor; consistent production; California-adapted |
| Violetto | 2% | Italian purple variety; elongated heads; attractive deep purple color; excellent for specialty markets; tender when small; traditional flavor profile |
| Tavor | 1.5% | Israeli-bred variety; heat-tolerant; early maturity; compact plants; good for warmer climates; disease resistant; uniform sizing |
| Colorado Star | 1% | Bred for colder climates; cold-hardy; productive annual variety; medium-sized heads; good for northern growing regions |
| Romanesco | 0.5% | Italian conical-shaped variety; elongated purple heads; tender and flavorful; specialty/gourmet market; small to medium size |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: null°F.
- Freezing point: 29.9°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 4 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Production rate (20°C) | 0.5 µL C2H4/kg·hr typical (0.2–1) |
| Sensitivity class | low |
| Sensitivity threshold | null ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Artichokes are non-climacteric with minimal ethylene concerns. Focus cold chain decisions on temperature, humidity maintenance, and rapid cooling.
Mixed-load compatibility
high_humidity_vegetables
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? Yes
- Light-sensitive? No
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Steady growth driven by Mediterranean cuisine popularity, restaurant demand, and health-conscious consumers. Baby artichokes showing strongest growth segment at 8-10% annually.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.85 |
| Income elasticity | 0.65 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -0.45 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Green Globe | 65% |
| Desert Globe | 15% |
| Imperial Star | 10% |
| Baby Artichokes | 7% |
| Other Heritage Varieties | 3% |
Pack sizes
- 24-count (standard)
- 18-count (large)
- 30-count (medium)
- 12-count (jumbo)
- 9-lb bulk
- 1-lb clamshells (baby)
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
Rendered by commodity_profile_renderer v1.0.0 on 2026-05-15T22:30:00.000Z.