From the Beaverton Farmers' Market, I picked up the new European variety of artichoke from the farm out in Tillamook. Yes, the purple ones. The cooking water does turn a lovely shade, but the color does return as they cool.

The guy at the stand told me they were sweeter and meatier in the leaves and the heart, and he's telling the truth. You can eat halfway up the leaf. As for the heart, there's plenty of sweet meat. A friend noted that this would be great on a salad and also be quite visible.

A great variety for people who didn't like them because they were to bitter or woody.

$2.50 a piece...and worth it!