Alcachofa de Benicarló (Benicarló artichoke)
Alcachofa de Benicarló
Alcachofa de Benicarló is a DOP artichoke from Benicarló, Cálig, Peñíscola Vinaroz and all of the province of Castellón (Comunidad Valencia). It is known as Carxofa de Benicarló in the Valencian language.
The cultivation of the artichoke is traditional in the area, and it is thought that the plant has been grown domestic consumption since the 13th century. However, the first reference to it was made by the great botanist Antonio José Cavanilles in the 18th century. Production on a large scale began in the 1940s.
Among the qualities of the artichoke, is its traditional medicinal properties (although not proven), for example, its favourable effect on the liver and kidneys.
In Benicarló they have an Artichoke Fiesta, with a series of socio-cultural events, the high point of which involves the construction of a grand tower of artichokes.