[Cynara scolymus]
These are from the same plants that produce the big Green Globe type artichokes. Some time after the big flower at the top has been cut, a number of much smaller flowers sprout along the stem. These are the "Baby Artichokes" sometimes seen in our produce stores here in California. They are also trimmed and made into "Artichoke Hearts", usually canned, but sometimes available frozen.
The photo specimens were Reese brand from Peru. The two "Hearty" size specimens, left in the photo, were typically 2-1/4 inches long and 1-1/4 inches diameter, 5 to 7 per can. The other 4 were "Baby" size, typically 2-1/8 inches long and 1-1/8 inches diamter, 10 to 12 per can. Both sizes were packed in 14 ounce cans, both with a drained weight of 8.5 ouncess.
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Artichoke Hearts are used as apptizers, and to dress up salads, pasta dishes, pizzas and the like. They are also used as an ingredient in vegetable, chicken, and fish stews.