Artichokes
It works as a metaphor for life, a symbol of the agricultural lifestyle, a Castroville landmark and Marilyn Monroe’s first bit of fame. It also works wonderfully fried, steamed, battered, wrapped, sauteed, in dips, in soups, in burritos, in tacos. It just works, which is why it won its place not just as Weekly readers’ top crop, but as California’s state food, trumping such treasures as almonds, Dungeness crab, wine grapes and even the avocado. The delicious thistle, FTW.