Artichokes
Cannabis may be the leafy green that’s all the rage, but consider the stalwart artichoke, which forged its epic brand identity in Castroville and can now be found almost everywhere. How do you choke? Are you a trim, steam and slide the leaves across your teeth fan, or do you go straight for a deliciously crisp boat of deep-fried hearts, a side of spicy aioli ready for dipping? Do you stuff and roast, or do you save yourself the trouble and buy a bucket of rich artichoke dip, slice up a baguette and sequester yourself for some alone time? However you do it, the artichoke’s popularity warrants its own celebration – and there is one. The annual Castroville Artichoke Festival takes place this year June 1-2 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.