Top Artichoke Producing Countries

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a perennial thistle cultivated primarily for its edible flower buds and is most widely farmed in Mediterranean climates. Italy is the world’s leading producer of artichokes, followed by countries such as Egypt, Spain, Peru, and Algeria. The cultivation of artichoke dates back to ancient times, with its origins traced to the Mediterranean basin, particularly North Africa and Sicily, where it was grown by the Greeks and Romans. Artichoke farming spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and was later introduced to the Americas by Spanish settlers in the 19th century, especially flourishing in California. Today, artichoke remains a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is valued globally for its nutritional and culinary qualities, with the top producing countries maintaining centuries-old traditions while also adopting modern agricultural techniques.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat