The Tudela Artichoke can be distinguished from other artichokes by its more rounded shape and by the circular hole at the top where the leaves do not meet to close the head. It has been protected as a PGI product since 2000, and only the local variety called “Blanca de Tudela” is grown.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

The area producing Tudela Artichokes comprises 33 towns in the Ribera de Navarra, centred around the area of Tudela.

BUYING GUIDE

Can be found both preserved and fresh (a short season in the autumn and another longer one in the spring). In both cases, the product must clearly display the complete name of “Alcachofa de Tudela” (Tudela Artichoke), along with the PGI logo and a numbered label on the back issued by the Regulating Council.

Fresh artichokes are sold by the dozen (with stems and leaves) or by the kilo (without stem).

Preserved artichokes are always sold in glass jars; the use of citric acid is forbidden in their preparation, unlike other artichokes on the market.

TIP: the vitamin C in the artichokes may oxidize and turn the artichokes black when preparing them; to avoid this, plunge them in water with a little flour.